Long-serving Western Bulldogs strength and conditioning boss Mat Inness will depart the Club in coming weeks after 12 seasons at the Kennel. 

The Head of Sport Science and Physical Performance has been with the Club since 2012, beginning as the VFL High Performance Manager and PhD student with Victoria University, before making his way up the ranks to manage the AFL team’s performance department. 

A period of sustained success has followed since Inness took over the AFL program in August 2015, starting with a premiership in his first full season in charge. The Club has since made finals in six of the past nine seasons.

Inness has accepted a new opportunity at another AFL club that includes an expanded portfolio and career growth. 

“For the past 12 seasons, including over eight in my current role, I’ve given my absolute all to the football club, creating a high-performance environment where players and staff look to get the very best out of themselves each day,” Inness said.

“I love so much about the Club, and I have created some very special memories and relationships with both players and staff that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

“I’ve been with Bevo since the day he started at the Club, and I can’t speak highly enough of the support he, Granty, Ameet, and so many others have given me across my time at the Club.

“I know that none of us can be at the same place forever, as much as we may want to. I will be forever grateful for the support of the Western Bulldogs.”

Bulldogs’ Executive Director of Football Chris Grant thanked Inness for his significant contribution to the Club.

“Mat has been a key and popular member of our football department for over a decade, and he leaves a fantastic legacy within our strength and conditioning department – both professionally and personally,” Grant said.

“While we are disappointed to lose Mat, it is a credit to Mat and his work at the Bulldogs that he’s been able to gain a wonderful opportunity at another football club.

“We wish Mat, Jo, William and Jakob all the best for the future.”