Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of Dr. Mathew Inness as the new Head of High Performance and Medical. This strategic move comes as the club seeks to enhance its football program following a challenging season. Inness, who spent the last two years with the West Coast Eagles as High Performance Manager, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in sports science and physical performance.
Inness’s career in sports management is marked by significant achievements. Prior to his tenure with the Eagles, he served as the Head of Sport Science and Physical Performance for the Western Bulldogs. His 12-season stint with the Bulldogs was highlighted by a premiership in his first full season and finals appearances in six of nine seasons.
From Cricket Fields to Football Arenas
Inness’s distinguished background extends beyond football. As a high-achieving athlete, he represented Western Australia and Victoria in domestic cricket, earning national selection at under-17 and under-19 levels. In 2023, he was among the first inductees into the Essendon Cricket Club’s Hall of Fame, having debuted for Essendon in Victorian Premier Cricket at the age of 14. He also represented Australia at the under-19 level and made his first-class debut for Victoria in 1997.
His expertise is not confined to cricket and football alone. Inness contributed to the Malaysian Track Cycling Team through two Olympic cycles, playing a pivotal role in securing an Olympic Silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. Academically, he holds a PhD from Victoria University and has completed a Master of Business Administration, alongside a Masters in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University.
Excitement and Vision for the Future
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Inness stated, “It is really sad to be leaving West Coast, but sometimes you have to let go of something that you love to take on a great opportunity. I’ve loved the past two seasons at West Coast, and I will miss the people and club dearly. Although on-field success is yet to come for the club, I feel that in the last two seasons we have started to create resilient players that are able to compete at an AFL level.”
He added, “The chance to come back to my family in Melbourne, and work at a club like Essendon with such a strong history, and an exciting future was the major driving factor in this decision. In the conversations I’ve had with Essendon, I truly feel a genuine sense of purpose and an exciting vision for the future. The challenges of the past year have forged a really united team, and I can’t wait to join a group of players who are ready to get to work.”
Essendon’s Strategic Vision
Essendon’s General Manager of Football, Dan McPherson, expressed the club’s delight at securing Inness’s services. “After undertaking an extensive process, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Mathew Inness as our new Head of High Performance and Medical. Securing someone of his calibre and experience is a significant step forward for our football program,” McPherson stated.
“Mat’s track record at both the Western Bulldogs, particularly during their premiership season, and more recently at the West Coast Eagles, speaks for itself. He has a proven ability to build and lead elite programs that get the best out of players. This appointment is a crucial piece of our strategy to build a world-class football department. We believe Mat will be a tremendous asset to our club, and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Bombers.”
Inness is set to begin his role at Essendon ahead of the AFL players returning to training in November. His appointment is seen as a pivotal step in the club’s efforts to rebound and achieve greater success in the upcoming seasons.
