Essendon High-Performance Boss Sean Murphy to Depart Amid Widespread Injury Crisis

Essendon Football Club announced that Sean Murphy, their head of high performance since 2020, will depart at the end of the 2025 season following a mutual agreement amid a severe injury crisis. The club has been grappling with a significant number of players sidelined with soft tissue injuries, with 15 to 17 players unavailable for selection in recent matches, contributing to a seven-game losing streak, including a 48-point defeat to GWS Giants. Essendon's football boss Daniel McPherson emphasized the importance of the high performance and medical teams to the club's success and expressed commitment to improving player availability through a fresh approach this off-season. Coach Brad Scott acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries but maintained confidence in the medical staff and stressed the team's focus on effort and competitiveness despite setbacks. The club is actively seeking a successor to Murphy as they prepare for the 2026 AFL campaign, aiming to address the ongoing injury issues that have affected their performance. This decision reflects Essendon's urgent need to reshape and strengthen their support systems to avoid repeating the current season's difficulties.