‘Really challenging season’: First domino falls amid Essendon’s unprecedented injury crisis

Essendon will not renew the contract of Head of High Performance Sean Murphy next year.

Murphy is the first domino to fall after the unprecedented injury crisis at Tullamarine this year.

The Bombers have blooded 13 debutants - the most by any club excluding expansion sides since Fitzroy in 1991 - and currently have 15 players unavailable due to injury.

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Murphy’s current contract expires at the end of the year, and after discussions between Murphy and the Club, the two parties came to a mutual agreement that Murphy would not continue beyond this year.

Murphy has led the club’s high performance team for the past six seasons.

“We want to thank Sean for his commitment to this role over the past six seasons at the Essendon Football Club,” Essendon General Manager – AFL, Daniel McPherson said in a club statement.

“These jobs are all-encompassing and on behalf of the Essendon Football Club, I want to thank Sean for the professionalism and integrity that he has carried himself with, particularly throughout what has been a really challenging season in 2025.”

“Our High Performance and Medical team is critical to the success of our football program, and we’re committed to undertaking all necessary work required to help us improve in this area. This decision enables us to take a fresh approach and reshape the team as we prepare for a crucial off-season ahead of the 2026 AFL campaign.”

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Murphy said it had been a privilege to work at the Bombers.

“I’d like to thank the Essendon Football Club for the opportunity to lead the High Performance program over the past six seasons. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and professional staff, and I want to acknowledge their commitment throughout my time at the Club. I am proud of the support shown within our High Performance team to each other and the playing group in what has been a challenging season – it is a testament to the character of this team.

“I also want to acknowledge the playing group, the coaches, the support staff, and the broader Club for their support and friendships made over the journey and I wish the Club all the best for the future. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for the ongoing love and support in what is an all-encompassing role, I look forward to what lies ahead.”

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The Bombers have begun the process of finding a replacement and two names connected to the role by Nine’s Tom Morris on SEN this morning were West Coast’s Mathew Inness and Andrew Russell, who spent time at both the Hawks and Blues.

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