Essendon will cast the net wide in its search for a new high-performance manager, signalling a bold shift in strategy after parting ways with Sean Murphy last week.
The decision comes amid a brutal injury crisis that has left the Bombers scrambling for fit bodies, with 15 players unavailable for selection in their recent clash against GWS, and 11 of those not yet given a return date.
Head coach Brad Scott confirmed the club is open to recruiting outside traditional AFL circles as it seeks to reset its high-performance department ahead of the 2026 season.
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"No stone unturned" in search for solution
“It won’t just be the AFL circles, it will be looking at all sorts of sports for the best available people in those roles,” Scott said. “Almost by definition, those people are currently in roles. We will run our process and let it take its course, but we’d like to think sooner rather than later is always better.”
He praised Murphy’s character in handling the news, saying: “Sean is a really high-quality person, his first instinct and reaction, outside of obvious disappointment, was he didn’t want to leave the players short-changed. He wants to do what’s best for the club, which speaks volumes to his character and integrity.”
Scott also emphasised that the club is committed to bolstering its medical and fitness setup moving forward.
“What I can say to our fans and members is that we’re looking to build the most robust, high-performance area we can and will leave no stone unturned. We’re restrained by a soft cap, but we can reallocate resources into that area. We know more than most this year how important it is.”