A key pillar in the West Coast Eagles football department structure is now in place with confirmation today that Dr Mathew Inness has accepted the role of High Performance Manager.

Inness, himself a high achieving athlete, has spent the last 12 seasons as part of the Western Bulldogs’ high performance department and has been Head of Sport Science and Physical Performance since 2015.

Inness, who represented both WA and Victoria in domestic cricket after earning national selection at under-17 and under-19 level, holds a PhD from Victoria University, is currently completing a Master of Business Administration, and holds a Masters in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning through Edith Cowan University.

"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," Inness said today.

"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."

West Coast Eagles General Manager of Football Gavin Bell said the club was delighted that Inness would join the club and was looking forward to working with him as the club continues to rebuild its list.

"We are thrilled that Mathew has accepted the opportunity with our club where he will oversee the medical and high performances areas," Bell said.

"To have someone of his credentials and sporting pedigree in the High Performance sphere really excites us.

"Aside from his own achievements at first class level in cricket and his experience at the Bulldogs, he has also prepared Olympic athletes as the senior strength and conditioning coach for the Malaysian track cycling sprint team where the team won an Olympic silver medal."