Former Hawthorn and Carlton high-performance boss Andrew Russell, who exited the Blues last year, has not been approached by the Bombers and is unlikely to be a candidate for Murphy’s role.
Murphy is likely to keep working at Essendon until season’s end.
Murphy, who previously worked as conditioning head at Hawthorn, was arguably unfortunate to have a raft of injuries that can be deemed not preventable. Ten of their players are now grounded with non-soft-tissue issues, including four anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Sam Draper (Achilles), Jye Caldwell (syndesmosis), Ben McKay and Will Setterfield (both foot injuries), Harrison Jones (ankle) and Nik Cox (long-term concussion).
The current soft-tissue injuries are headed by Kyle Langford (quadricep), Darcy Parish (calf), Zach Reid (hamstring), Elijah Tsatas (hamstring) and Ben Hobbs (groin). Talented young key forward Nate Caddy missed the GWS game with “soreness.”
The Bombers have given 13 players their AFL debut this season, and has previously announced it is investigating reviewing this year’s injury toll.
Essendon’s general manager – AFL, Daniel McPherson praised Murphy’s contribution to the Bombers.
“We want to thank Sean for his commitment to this role over the past six seasons at the Essendon Football Club,” McPherson said.
“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.”
Loading
In the statement released by the Bombers, Murphy thanked the club.
“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,” he said.
‘Doesn’t make sense’: Voss questions AFL judiciary
Carlton coach Michael Voss has queried the fairness of a judicial system that whacked Blues youngster Ben Camporeale with a four-week ban for an “accidental contact” charge while only suspending AFL players for three weeks for striking.
The Carlton coach also questioned the AFL’s decision to send Blues midfielder Adam Cerra to the midweek tribunal for an umpire-contact infringement that resulted in a $5500 fine.
Carlton’s Adam Cerra was fined for making contact with the umpire in the match against the Brisbane Lions last round.Credit: Channel Seven
“The communication is obviously there (about umpire contact), but you know, that sort of accident … was it necessary to go to the tribunal? Probably not,” Voss said.
Loading
“I mean, it could have figured itself out … there’s maybe a better way.
“I think we’ve got to be still really mindful that umpires have got a job to do as well, and there’s got to be a respect for space there. But we also have to acknowledge that there is genuine accidental contact.”
Voss had similar concerns about the nature of the Camporeale incident.
The son of former Blues star Scott Camporeale was rubbed out for pushing Brisbane opponent Deven Robertson into another player during Carlton’s VFL match at Ikon Park last Friday.
“That motion could happen a hundred times in a game, yet two players come together at the wrong time, and we find ourselves with an accident like that,” Voss said.
“So we have got to find out what those football actions look like, and those non-football actions. He gets four weeks and Tom Lynch strikes and gets three (Lynch is currently serving a five-week ban).
Prospective Carlton recruit Cody Walker (centre) training at the club.Credit: Getty Images
“I mean, it just doesn’t, doesn’t make sense to me. So more work needs to be done on it. I don’t think we can leave that alone.”
As the Blues prepare to take on Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night in their annual “Carlton Respects” game, Voss backed in the competition’s father-son rule.
His comments came after Cody Walker, the 184cm teenage son of 202-game Blue Andrew Walker, nominated Ikon Park as his preferred destination in next year’s national draft.
“There’s some things that we need to continue around the history of the game and the traditions of the game, and this is one of them,” Voss said.
“I’d understand if there’s a further conversation around what the academies look like in general, but when it comes to the father and sons [selections], I think that’s been a tradition that’s stood the test of time, and should continue to do so.”
Midfielder Walker, 17, has been a part of the Blues’ revamped Carlton Academy, and has opted against joining Richmond, who he was eligible to join as part of their next generation academy.
