Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of Dr. Mathew Inness as the new Head of High Performance and Medical. This strategic move aims to bolster the club’s performance and medical capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming AFL season. Inness joins the Bombers following a successful tenure at the West Coast Eagles, where he served as High Performance Manager for two seasons.
Prior to his role with the Eagles, Inness was a key figure at the Western Bulldogs, holding the position of Head of Sport Science and Physical Performance. His 12-season tenure at the Bulldogs was marked by significant achievements, including a premiership in his first full season and multiple finals appearances. Inness’s appointment is seen as a pivotal step in Essendon’s efforts to enhance their football program.
Inness’s Diverse Background and Achievements
Dr. Mathew Inness brings a wealth of experience both as an athlete and an academic. His sporting career includes representing Western Australia and Victoria in domestic cricket, with national selections at under-17 and under-19 levels. In 2023, he was honored as one of the inaugural inductees into the Essendon Cricket Club’s Hall of Fame, having made his debut in Victorian Premier Cricket at just 14 years old and representing Australia at the under-19 level.
Inness’s expertise extends beyond cricket. He contributed to the Malaysian Track Cycling Team’s success over two Olympic cycles, including an Olympic Silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. Academically, he holds a PhD from Victoria University, a Master of Business Administration, and a Masters in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University.
Excitement and Vision for the Future
Expressing his excitement about joining Essendon, 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 Move
Essendon General Manager of Football, Dan McPherson, expressed the club’s enthusiasm about Inness’s appointment. “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 said.
He further commented, “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.”
Looking Ahead
Inness is set to commence his role at Essendon ahead of the AFL players returning to training in November. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the club’s high-performance strategy. As the Bombers aim to rebound from a challenging year, Inness’s expertise and leadership are anticipated to play a critical role in shaping the club’s future success.
The announcement comes as Essendon seeks to strengthen its football department and foster a culture of excellence and resilience. With Inness at the helm of high performance and medical, the club is poised to make significant strides in the upcoming season.
