AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers
Prepare Like a Pro with Jack Mclean
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 24, 2023 • 7min
#263 - Tim Schmidt, Founder / Head Coach of Kicking Dynamics
Highlights from the episode:
- How to hone your kicking skills
- Program for kids/players with a coordination disorder
- Using games approach for teaching kids kicking fundamentals
- Advice to player rejoining AFL or an academy who has improved his muscle mass and skills
- How to get power without wheeling around to the side

Aug 22, 2023 • 51min
#262 - John Mitchell, Strength & Conditioning Performance Consultant at MFJ Performance
Highlights from the episode:
- Tips and advice for coaches looking to work with a mentor
- Certificates and conferences he recommends for networking
- How to simplify your feedback process
- How to bring energy to your coaching sessions
- The importance of being clear on your coaching philosophy

Aug 20, 2023 • 17min
#91 - Hamstring Resilience Navigating Safe Rehabilitation
Highlights from the episode:
- Get the diagnosis right
- Loading your hamstring
- Maintain as much football load as you can
- Start progressing with your running speed
- Start progressing with your intensity
- Return to playing
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

Aug 17, 2023 • 7min
#261 - Dean Filopoulos, Rehabilitation Manager at Collingwood Football Club
Highlights from the episode:
- Dean shares about getting his degree and how he started in VFL
- How he supported himself after high school to go to uni
02:06 The importance of building connections and hands-on experience for S&C coaches
03:01 Things a developing S&C needs to stick long in the system and get a full-time role
04:02 How Dean plans his program for the next year/season
05:18 How to build trust with athletes undergoing rehab

Aug 15, 2023 • 47min
#260 - Brentan Parsons, Strength & Power Coach at Gold Coast Titans
Highlights from the episode:
- Key fundamentals of Strength & Power training that every athlete should be aware of
- How he uses movement screens to individualize his strength and power programs
- His advice for athletes when it comes to setting achievable goals in their Strength & Power training
- How does he address the psychological aspect of training athletes to help them perform at their best
- Top three pieces of advice for athletes who want to optimize their Strength & Power training

Aug 13, 2023 • 23min
#90 - The Science Behind Effective Football Strength & Conditioning
Highlights of the episode:
- Have a supportive team around you
- Be clear of your routine
- Fundamentals of S&C in AFL
- Maintaining enough workload
- Periodizing training cycle for finals
- Elite lifestyle
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

Aug 10, 2023 • 7min
#259 - Shane Lehane, Athletic Performance Coach at Sydney Swans FC
Highlights from the episode:
- How he landed a job at Leicester Tigers after his internship
- His advice when doing internships and what his typical week looked like during his internship
- How he does a drop body height drill
- Coaching heavy & coaching light for prep work and coordination drills
- His advice when doing a program review

Aug 8, 2023 • 40min
#258 - Enda King, Head of High Performance and Development at Aspetar
Highlights from the episode:
- Common misconceptions for injury mitigation
- Tips and advice for increasing player availability in field-based sports
- Things he considers when adjusting the training load in his sessions
- Exercises for athletes returning from a groin injury
- Practical tips parents can apply to mitigate injuries

Aug 6, 2023 • 22min
#89 - How to work in the AFL as a strength & conditioning coach
Highlights from the episode:
- Understand the roles
- Develop your coaching skills
- Social connection
- Technology
- Qualifications
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

Aug 3, 2023 • 5min
#257 - Harry Sheezel, Medium Defender at North Melbourne
Highlights from the episode:
- Harry's fave recovery methods
- The key areas Harry focuses on when playing as a speed forward
- Why focusing on your strengths as a player is so critical
- Why Harry values training smart and quality of training over volume
- Tips for footballers to boost their confidence and the ability to reset during games


