Blues poach rival fitness guru as new high-performance boss

CARLTON has poached Sydney fitness guru Rob Inness to serve as the Blues’ new high-performance boss.

Inness will see out the season at the minor premier and premiership-hunting Swans, where he has made a significant impact since arriving in late 2020 as head of athletic performance.

Among the foundations for Sydney’s brilliant 2024 campaign has been a healthy playing group, with Tom Papley (ankle) and Justin McInerney (knee) in line to return for Saturday’s qualifying final against GWS.

Conversely, Carlton’s miserable run with injury reached its low point late in the season with as many as 17 players unavailable.

Soft tissue issues have stalked Michael Voss’ side all year, with pressure mounting on renowned high-performance manager Andrew Russell.

Russell last month announced he was stepping down at the end of Carlton’s season having arrived in 2018 as one of the most respected fitness minds in the country.

But the spate of injuries at Ikon Park has been an ongoing source of frustration in recent times.

Prior to joining the Swans, Inness was Richmond’s strength and rehabilitation coach from 2016-2020, playing an important role in the Tigers’ three-flag dynasty.

He has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the high-performance industry.