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
Nov 30, 2025 • 17min
#157 – The Complete Blueprint to Build Your AFL Body
Highlights from the episode:
✅ How to get your free 2026 AFL preseason program
✅ How choosing one focus area lifts your whole game
✅ Why lower body strength drives contest power
✅ How power training protects the back and boosts speed
✅ What real sprint mechanics look like under pressure
✅ How reactive agility creates separation in tight spaces
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-complete-blueprint-to-build-your-afl-body/
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!
Nov 27, 2025 • 5min
#bitesize - Why Footballers Get Concussions: The Hidden Factors Coaches Overlook
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why neck strength ratios may influence concussion risk
✅ How tackle technique and developing neck strength reduce concussion risk
✅ Why anxious athletes may be more vulnerable to concussion
✅ What the 14-day concussion protocol actually looks like
✅ The key supplements that support brain repair during recovery
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/why-footballers-get-concussions-the-hidden-factors-coaches-overlook/
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!
Nov 23, 2025 • 44min
#355 - Ryan Clayton: Breaking Silos & Driving Team Success
👉 Highlights from the episode:
✅ How an integrated model truly works
✅ Why silos appear and how leaders pull teams back together
✅ Choosing the right number of game model priorities
✅ How preseason and in-season integration actually differ
✅ The unpopular belief about army camps and mental toughness
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/ryan-clayton-breaking-silos-driving-team-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
Nov 20, 2025 • 7min
#bitesize - Chris Miller’s Insights From Training Elite Athletes in the NBA and Ski Teams
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Asking the right questions to read a new team
✅ Using simple check-ins to judge daily readiness
✅ Adapting warmups across sports and time demands
✅ How athlete behavior shapes the real team culture
✅ Balancing tech, feedback, and KPIs in performance programs
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/chris-millers-insights-from-training-elite-athletes-in-the-nba-and-ski-teams/
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
Nov 16, 2025 • 12min
#156 - How S&C Coaches Build Real Industry Connections and Mistakes to Avoid
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why adding value first builds real industry connections
✅ How name dropping quietly hurts your long-term credibility
✅ Why preparation makes or breaks conference networking
✅ When training content boosts your brand and when it damages it
✅ The big five networking groups every coach should focus on
✅ Where to start developing strong references early in your career
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-build-real-industry-connections-and-mistakes-to-avoid/
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
Nov 13, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Mastering AFL Periodization for Optimal Season Performance
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why periodization isn’t as complicated as it sounds
✅ Why periodization matters in AFL
✅ Breaking down the key phases of periodization
✅ What a well-structured AFL training week looks like
✅ The biggest in-season mistake that limits 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/mastering-afl-periodization-for-optimal-season-performance/
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
Nov 9, 2025 • 52min
#354 - Simon Jones on Game Speed – Why Top Speed Isn’t the Holy Grail
👉 Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why the fastest players don’t always perform best
✅ How testing reveals true game speed potential
✅ The key to building long-term deceleration ability
✅ Simple rotational drills that boost multidirectional control
✅ How to align speed development with coaching priorities
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/simon-jones-on-game-speed-why-top-speed-isnt-the-holy-grail/
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
Nov 6, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - How Alex Sakadjian Rose from Rehab Coach to Head of High Performance
Highlights from the episode:
✅ What high-performance managers really look for in S&C coaches
✅ The evolution from injury rehab to holistic reconditioning
✅ Why managing rehab programs builds leadership and collaboration
✅ Building trust and autonomy within a high-performance team
✅ How to break into the AFL as a strength and 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/how-alex-sakadjian-rose-from-rehab-coach-to-head-of-high-performance/
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
Nov 2, 2025 • 9min
#155 - S&C Coaches: How Are We Measured?
Highlights from the episode:
✅ How S&C coaches are really evaluated in football clubs
✅ How players evaluate your impact and credibility
✅ What the medical team looks for in performance staff
✅ How management evaluates your influence and professionalism
✅ What fellow S&C coaches value when assessing your work
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-conditioning-coaches-how-are-we-measured/
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
Oct 30, 2025 • 4min
#bitesize - The Truth About Lifting Every Day in AFL: How to Prioritize Football Performance
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why football performance must always come first
✅ The shift from conditioning to game fitness
✅ How to adapt strength and power around football
✅ Common mistakes that derail in-season 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/the-truth-about-lifting-every-day-in-afl-how-to-prioritize-football-performance/
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
