AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers
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Welcome to the “AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers" your go-to resource for invaluable insights into the world of elite sports. We're here to empower footballers and high-performance staff with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the AFL arena. Prepare to take your game to the next level with our expert guidance.
In this podcast, we tackle a range of burning questions often asked by those striving for excellence in the AFL. From understanding the distance AFL players cover and their training regimen to breaking into elite sports as a strength & conditioning coach and exploring pathways to the AFL, we've got you covered.
Every Monday, we release a new episode that provides updates on upcoming live interviews and fresh insights from AFL players, senior coaches, sports psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, sports dietitians, and other leading figures in the industry. These experts share their career journeys, success stories, and practical tips for athletes and high-performance staff alike.
Don't miss our weekly live conversations on the Prepare Like a Pro YouTube channel, where you can watch these discussions and get notified about new content. For more resources, freebies, and blog posts, join our newsletter, and stay connected with us on Instagram. Your feedback matters, so let Jack know how we can make our podcasts even better and suggest the topics you'd like us to cover next.
To explore the wealth of information we offer, visit our website at https://preparelikeapro.com/, and if you're ready to take your training to the next level, join our academy membership at https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/. Get ready to prepare like a pro and unlock your full potential in the world of AFL high performance! Also don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@PrepareLikeAPro to get more high performance value!
In this podcast, we tackle a range of burning questions often asked by those striving for excellence in the AFL. From understanding the distance AFL players cover and their training regimen to breaking into elite sports as a strength & conditioning coach and exploring pathways to the AFL, we've got you covered.
Every Monday, we release a new episode that provides updates on upcoming live interviews and fresh insights from AFL players, senior coaches, sports psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, sports dietitians, and other leading figures in the industry. These experts share their career journeys, success stories, and practical tips for athletes and high-performance staff alike.
Don't miss our weekly live conversations on the Prepare Like a Pro YouTube channel, where you can watch these discussions and get notified about new content. For more resources, freebies, and blog posts, join our newsletter, and stay connected with us on Instagram. Your feedback matters, so let Jack know how we can make our podcasts even better and suggest the topics you'd like us to cover next.
To explore the wealth of information we offer, visit our website at https://preparelikeapro.com/, and if you're ready to take your training to the next level, join our academy membership at https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/. Get ready to prepare like a pro and unlock your full potential in the world of AFL high performance! Also don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@PrepareLikeAPro to get more high performance value!
657 Episodes
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Highlights from the episode:
- Why most sports science doesn’t transfer to performance
- What actually drives game speed
- Why agility is about decision making, not drills
- How power training really carries over to football
- Understanding force vectors and movement direction
- Managing soreness, intent, and athlete buy-in
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/train-smarter-not-harder-jack-mclean-on-afl-strength-training-myths/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
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🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
Highlights from the episode:
- Optimizing versus maximizing athlete development in season
- The maintenance mindset versus accelerated growth programs
- How to spot overreaching versus thriving athletes
- Practical ways to test and monitor program effectiveness
- Recovery differences between optimize and maximize groups
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/optimizing-vs-maximizing-athlete-development-in-season/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
🔑 Highlights from the episode:
- Why coaches misunderstand speed in team sports
- How movement diversity drives coordination and mobility
- The mindset traits of consistently elite performers
- How to structure sprinting, plyometrics, and lifting
- The non-negotiables for speed, power, and tissue load
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/boo-schexnayder-on-speed-training-that-actually-transfers-to-the-field/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
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🔑 Highlights from the episode:
- Why Parra Perform exists and the problem it aims to solve
- What a Parra Perform event actually looks like
- 2026 Parra Perform event topics
- Integrating the athlete perspective into practitioner learning
- Skills practitioners expect to harness at Parra Perform
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/kieren-morgan-on-parra-perform-shaping-elite-care-with-the-wider-game/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- Why knowing your strengths should shape your entire preseason
- Balancing strengths and limiters in a demanding AFL game
- The biggest preseason mistake that turns players into numbers
- Using benchmarks and match simulation to drive real progress
- How mindset and reflection separate good and great preseasons
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/top-5-pre-season-tips-every-afl-player-should-follow/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
Highlights from the episode:
- Why movement efficiency must be game-specific
- How video analysis improves movement and decision-making
- Re-engaging athletes during high-pressure preseason blocks
- Finding the balance between athlete ownership and staff control
- Developing leaders through experience, education, and exposure
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/balin-cupples-on-movement-efficiency-synchronisation-and-what-elite-teams-do-differently/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
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🔑 Highlights from the episode:
- Which periodization models transfer across football codes
- Using player feedback to judge if training is working
- Recovery, loading, and tapering in a seven-day week
- Go-to books and resources for mastering periodization
- Why periodization must match the coach’s playing style
🙌People Mentioned:
- Darren Burgess
- Ange Postecoglou
- Ian Mckeown
- Kevin Musket
- Damian Roden
- Martin Buchheit
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/greg-king-on-translating-football-periodisation-across-sporting-codes/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- The four key strength and conditioning roles in team sports
- What makes a great assistant strength and conditioning coach
- Skills needed to succeed in reconditioning and rehab roles
- How elite strength and power coaches engage large squads
- Career mistakes coaches make and how to avoid them
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/which-strength-and-conditioning-role-fits-you-best/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- Top 5 EP133 - Back on Track: Master The Art of Reconditioning
- Top 4 EP145 - Optimize vs Maximize
- Top 3 EP143 - Strength Tips For Dominating This Season
- Top 2 EP148 - Top 5 AFL Combine Tips
- Top 1 EP146 - Developing Your Technical Model
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from send us your feedback and tell us what you love, and think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/2025-top-5-monthly-update-podcast-episodes/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- Top 1 Ep#313 Simon Harries - Exclusive Insights on Running Rehab Success
- Top 2 Ep#354 Simon Jones - Why Top Speed Isn’t the Holy Grail
- Top 3 Ep#347 Brett Smith - Tactical Periodisation for Field Sports Explained
- Top 4 Ep#331 Derek Hansen - Enhancing Speed and Efficiency for Athletes
- Top 5 Ep#349 Jared Hoare - How to Maximise Players’ Physical Prep Training
- Top 6 Ep#340 Jon Clarke - The Power of Mindfulness in High Performance Sports
- Top 7 Ep#332 Ted Rath - Living Beyond Comfort Turning Struggles Into Strength
- Top 8 Ep#342 Dr. Thomas Dos’Santos - Unlocking MultiDirectional Speed
- Top 9 Ep#337 James Wild - Acceleration Myths vs Truths What the Science Really Says
- Top 10 Ep#350 Tom Tombleson - Bridging the Gap From Injury to Performance
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from send us your feedback and tell us what you love and think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/2025-top-10-most-listened-afl-high-performance-episodes/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- Agility vs change in direction
- Deceleration and acceleration mechanics that matter
- Using plyometrics to improve game reactivity
- Why single-leg strength drives better change of direction
- Mobility as a key factor in chaotic game situations
- Developing the footy brain
- My favorite reactive agility drills
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/afl-agility-made-easy-for-youth-footballers/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
Highlights from the episode:
- Understanding the four whole body acceleration strategies
- How bounders and striders differ in flight and contact time
- Spinners and bouncers and their unique step rates
- Injury risks linked to different acceleration strategies
- Assessing technique and supporting athletes safely
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/james-wild-explains-how-acceleration-style-impacts-injury-risk-in-athletes/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- Solving footwear limitations with adaptable orthotic design
- Why foot spring and first toe drive matter for speed and power
- Are modern boots helping or hurting athlete foot mechanics
- The real trade-offs of carbon-plated shoes for performance
- Training foot intrinsics to build a stronger spring system
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/emily-smith-on-optimizing-foot-function-for-high-performance-athletes/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- Why strength maintenance alone can fail late in the season
- Using athlete profiles to guide strength and injury risk
- Programming strength for athletes over 30 with long training history
- Microdosing strength and power without weekend fatigue
- Strength prescriptions for athletes who want more speed
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/strength-maintenance-versus-performance-across-the-season/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
Highlights from the episode:
- Why time-efficient upskilling matters at every career stage
- Using micro learning to improve daily as a coach
- How morning routines create space for consistent learning
- Choosing online courses that actually transfer to your role
- Building a focused development funnel that improves impact
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/how-sc-coaches-upskill-despite-a-busy-schedule/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- What young strength coaches should focus on first
- Why private sector coaching accelerates development
- Technology access and the risk of losing coaching instinct
- Return to play vs return to performance explained
- Common rehab and reconditioning mistakes coaches make
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/matthew-toohey-shares-pro-sport-to-private-sector-rehab-insights/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
👉 Highlights from the episode:
- Why some performers handle pressure better than others
- How stress mindsets shape performance under pressure
- Embedding learn, challenge, and win mindsets into coaching
- Simple tools to build self-awareness and focus
- The real signs of low psychological safety in teams
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/davie-gray-why-mindset-comes-before-metrics-in-elite-performance/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
Highlights from the episode:
- Why body armor and physical resilience matter
- Sports science and velocity data for smarter load management
- Influencing athlete lifestyle and recovery habits
- Individualisation and collaboration for long-term development
- Difference between personal trainer and strength conditioning coach
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/the-role-of-an-afl-strength-conditioning-coach/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
👉 Highlights from the episode:
- Why coding is becoming essential in sports science
- The tech an elite AFL club would prioritise with unlimited resources
- The key non-negotiables for reducing soft tissue injuries
- How fascicle length guides smarter program decisions
- How AI is transforming reporting and decision making
🙌People Mentioned:
- Daren Burgess
- Ryan Timmins
- Stu Cormack
- Dave Regan
- Matt Inness
- David Opar
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/josh-ruddy-discusses-from-data-to-decision-how-sport-science-drives-afl-success/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Highlights from the episode:
- Starting where you are and learning the demands of your sport
- Why choosing one key preseason focus drives better results
- How deep learning and retention actually work in coaching
- Teaching technical models that make athletes faster and safer
- Training yourself to coach better and understand athlete effort
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/kelly-penfold-on-the-core-skills-that-shape-great-coaches/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
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