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
Jul 24, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - The Off-Season Blueprint: AFL Strength, Fitness & Recovery Done Right
Highlights from the episode:
✅ When and why to take structured vs unstructured training breaks
✅ How to gradually reintroduce running and gym work
✅ Which strength program fits your athlete profile best
✅ What week 2 of AFL off-season prep should look like
✅ Key progressions in week 3 and 4 conditioning
✅ How week 5 and 6 bridge into full preseason training
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-off-season-blueprint-afl-strength-fitness-recovery-done-right/
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!
Jul 20, 2025 • 12min
#148 - Top 5 2025 AFL Combine Tips You Need to Know
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why weekly performance always trumps combine testing
✅ The problem with chasing muscle mass before combine tests
✅ A smarter way to build aerobic capacity in-season
✅ How to unlock max acceleration and velocity for sprint tests
✅ One test-day mistake athletes make that ruins results
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-5-2025-afl-combine-tips-you-need-to-know/
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!
Jul 17, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Matt Whitaker on Turning Data into Decisions in Elite Sport
Highlights from the episode:
✅ How to use game-relative data to shape training loads
✅ What tools are powering elite-level sports data today
✅ Three red flag rules to monitor athlete readiness
✅ The baseline equipment every sport scientist should master
✅ Why AI will transform not replace the role of practitioners
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/matt-whitaker-on-turning-data-into-decisions-in-elite-sport/
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
Jul 13, 2025 • 43min
#345 - Nathan Pickworth on Integrating Performance and Medical Systems: Decision-Making Under Pressure in Professional Sport
Highlights from the episode:
✅ When coaches override the return-to-performance plan
✅ The one question Nathan now always asks before big decisions
✅ Can external consultants really improve long-term outcomes?
✅ Why soft skills matter more than structure in performance teams
✅ How emotional intelligence drives better team performance
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/nathan-pickworth-on-integrating-performance-and-medical-systems-decision-making-under-pressure-in-professional-sport/
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
Jul 10, 2025 • 4min
#bitesize - Ace That Coaching Interview: 10 Must-Ask Questions to Land Your Dream Job Landscape
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Interview questions that uncover team culture
✅ Why asking why the last coach left is critical
✅ What success actually looks like in elite sport roles
✅ How elite HP departments handle feedback and team roles
✅ Inside the roles of elite strength and conditioning 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/ace-that-coaching-interview-10-must-ask-questions-to-land-your-dream-job-landscape/
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
Jul 6, 2025 • 16min
#147 - How to Use Microdosing to Program for AFL Strength & Power
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Strength benchmarks every AFL athlete should hit
✅ Why power-to-weight ratio separates elite players
✅ This skipping drill fixes slow ground contact
✅ Not jumping high? It’s a projection benchmark issue
✅ Three explosive lifts to skyrocket your power
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-to-use-microdosing-to-program-for-afl-strength-power/
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!
Jul 3, 2025 • 5min
#bitesize - Ross Herridge on the Science of Pace Bowling: Speed, Injury, and Recovery
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Can you really train to bowl faster?
✅ The secret link between run-up speed and bowling velocity
✅ How to protect fast bowlers from breaking down
✅ How fast bowlers actually train their engine
✅ Elite-level recovery strategies between test matches
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/ross-herridge-on-the-science-of-pace-bowling-speed-injury-and-recovery/
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
Jun 29, 2025 • 38min
#344 - Alec Buttfield on Tracking the Margins: Performance Insights
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Advice for new biomechanists starting out
✅ His key pillar as a biomechanist
✅ Why flattening complex athlete data does more harm than good
✅ The GPS metrics that actually matter for performance and injury
✅ The untapped power of SpeedSig and IMUs in pro sport
People mentioned:
✅ Darren Burgess
✅ Jason Weber
✅ Kevin Ball
✅ Mark Williams
✅ Anna Meares
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/alec-buttfield-on-tracking-the-margins-performance-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
Jun 26, 2025 • 4min
#bitesize - What’s Next in Elite Coaching: Trends Shaping the Future
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Key lessons from 2023 in strength and conditioning
✅ Is agility the next big trend in elite coaching?
✅ How top coaches stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry
✅ How coaches can stay active and connected in the community
✅ How to cut through data overload and focus on what matters
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/whats-next-in-elite-coaching-trends-shaping-the-future/
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
Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
#343 - Paul Comfort on Force Plate Testing – How to Use Data to Drive Training Decisions
Highlights from the episode:
✅ The #1 mistake coaches make when using performance data
✅ The most reliable test for max strength revealed
✅ The explosive power benchmark every athlete should hit
✅ Why most force plate testing is misunderstood
✅ How to fix weak ankles and build bulletproof calves
People mentioned:
✅ Key force plate metrics AFL coaches should monitor
✅ How to individualize strength programs using force plate data
✅ The role of asymmetry scores in injury prediction and performance monitoring
✅ Differences between jump testing, 1RM, and isometric testing for force and RFD and when to use each
✅ How force plates assist in return-to-play protocols post-lower limb injuries
✅ Common mistakes coaches make when first adopting this tech
✅ Strategies to enhance muscle mass and force production
✅ The importance of standardization and reliability in force testing
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/343-paul-comfort-on-force-plate-testing-how-to-use-data-to-drive-training-decisions/
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
