Mathew Inness joins Bombers as Head of High Performance and Medical

Essendon has today announced the appointment of Dr Mathew Inness to the role of Head of High Performance and Medical.

Inness joins the Bombers after spending two seasons at the West Coast Eagles as High Performance Manager.

Prior to joining the West Coast Eagles, Inness served as the Head of Sport Science and Physical Performance for the Western Bulldogs. His 12-season tenure with the Bulldogs included a premiership in his first full season in charge, as well as finals in six of nine seasons in charge of their program.

With a distinguished background as both a high-achieving athlete and an academic, Inness represented WA and Victoria in domestic cricket after earning national selection at under-17 and under-19 level. In 2023, he was among the first inductees into Essendon Cricket Club’s Hall of Fame, debuting for Essendon in Victorian Premier Cricket at age 14, representing Australia at under-19 level and making his first-class debut for Victoria in 1997.

Inness also worked with the Malaysian Track Cycling Team through two Olympic cycles, contributing to an Olympic Silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. He holds a PhD from Victoria University, has recently completed a Master of Business Administration, and holds a Masters in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning through Edith Cowan University.

Inness said he was excited to return to Essendon to lead an integral part of the football club.

“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,” Inness said.

“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 General Manager of Football Dan McPherson said the club was delighted with the appointment as the club looks to rebound after a challenging year.

“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.

"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 will commence his role at Essendon ahead of the AFL players returning to training in November.

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