Another Bulldog has left the Kennell, with strength and conditioning boss Mathew Inness choosing to head to West Coast.
Inness has spent 12 seasons at Whitten Oval and has been in charge of fitness since 2015
Both the Western Bulldogs and Eagles confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon, with Dogs footy boss Chris Grant confirming the club wanted him to stay.
Inness, in a West Coast statement, said it was a tough choice to leave the Dogs. However, he sees plenty of potential in the Eagles’ list.
“It was a terribly difficult decision to leave the Bulldogs, but I’m really excited about the opportunity at the West Coast Eagles and reconnecting to Perth,” he said.
Long serving strength and conditioning boss, Mathew Inness will depart the club in the coming weeks after accepting a new opportunity.
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) September 12, 2023
We thank Mat for his dedication and commitment to the club over the past 12 seasons ❤️
“I believe there is so much growth in the Eagles squad and I can’t wait to get to Perth and begin to play my role in the evolution of this young group.
“I would like to thank the Western Bulldogs for the opportunities they have given me and for the lasting friendships with both staff and players that have been forged. The 2016 premiership was an obvious highlight that will stay with me forever, but after 12 years at the club, it is the right time to tackle a new and exciting challenge.”
An off-season of change was promised at the Western Bulldogs, with Inness the fourth football department figure to leave the club.
He follows assistant coaches Travis Varcoe, Marc Webb and Rohan Smith out the door after the Western Bulldogs missed finals in 2023.
Image: Western Bulldogs @WesternBulldogs