Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of David Regan as its new Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach, a move that underscores the club’s commitment to enhancing its high-performance program. Regan brings a wealth of experience from elite sporting codes across Australia and the United States, including the AFL, NBA, MLB, and NFL, amassed over the past 11 years.
Regan’s career highlights include a successful tenure with the Melbourne Demons, where he served as Head of Sports Science and then Head of Strength and Power. His efforts contributed to the Demons’ premiership victory in 2021, marking a significant achievement in his career on Australian soil. His expertise has also been sought by major American sports franchises, including a three-year stint with the Miami Dolphins and a role as Sports Science Coordinator for the New York Mets.
International Experience and Return to Australia
Following his time with the Mets, Regan took on the position of Head of Strength and Conditioning with the Brooklyn Nets from 2023 until this year. The opportunity to return to Australia and join Essendon proved enticing, allowing him to leverage his international experience in a familiar environment.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come to a proud club like Essendon,” Regan expressed. “Working with a young and energetic list led by an incredible coaching staff is a rare opportunity. My experiences in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and AFL can contribute to the team’s development, giving players the best chance to excel each week.”
Strengthening Essendon’s High-Performance Team
Regan’s appointment is part of a broader strategy by Essendon to bolster its high-performance area. This strategy also includes the recent addition of Mathew Inness as Head of High Performance and Medical. Essendon’s General Manager for AFL, Daniel McPherson, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments.
“David’s appointment is another really exciting one for us. He has a wide range of experience across different elite competitions, both here and in the US, and a proven track record, which will only benefit our high-performance program more broadly,” McPherson stated.
McPherson further highlighted Regan’s ability to form strong relationships and energize the program to maximize players’ athletic potential. “We’re looking forward to David starting with the Club – there’s a lot of confidence that he’ll slot in well alongside Mat (Inness) and continue our improvement on the high-performance front.”
Looking Ahead to the 2026 AFL Season
Regan is set to commence his role at Essendon ahead of the AFL players’ return to training in November. His appointment signals a renewed focus on athletic excellence as the club prepares for the 2026 AFL Season. The integration of Regan’s international insights and methodologies is expected to enhance the club’s competitive edge.
As Essendon continues to refine its high-performance strategy, the club’s leadership remains optimistic about the impact of these strategic appointments. The upcoming season will be a test of how effectively these new elements can be integrated to achieve on-field success.
With Regan’s extensive background and proven track record, Essendon is poised to advance its high-performance capabilities, setting the stage for a promising future in the AFL.
