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 17, 2025 • 14min
#150 - From Intern to Pro: Your Path to Making an Impact in Pro Sport
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Should you be a generalist or a specialist?
✅ What traits or skills AFL clubs are looking at?
✅ The hidden skill that makes athletes actually listen
✅ Why research can fast-track your coaching career
✅ What happens when coaches train like athletes
Link to Scorecard: https://preparelikeapro.com/pro-sport-scorecard/
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/from-intern-to-pro-your-path-to-making-an-impact-in-pro-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
Aug 14, 2025 • 5min
#bitesize - Angus Littlefield’s In-Season Footy Training, Recovery Hacks, and Gameday Mindset
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Turning defence into attack from the backline
✅ Choosing to put in the work on tough days
✅ Footy recovery hacks: nutrition and hydration that deliver results
✅ When elite habits become second nature
✅ In-season footy training and recovery structure for peak 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/angus-littlefields-in-season-footy-training-recovery-hacks-and-gameday-mindset/
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!
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Aug 10, 2025 • 45min
#347 - Brett Smith on Tactical Periodisation for Field Sports Explained
👉 Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why elite champions thrive despite abnormal performance markers
✅ The unforgettable wins that shaped a high-performance career
✅ Rethinking preseason: training backwards from the finals
✅ The key GPS metrics that really matter in elite sport
✅ Why tactical periodisation demands full coaching 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/brett-smith-on-tactical-periodisation-for-field-sports-explained/
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
Aug 7, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Andrew Murphy: Coaching Insights from Academy Roots to Pro Sport
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why coding and curiosity stood out in a PhD interview
✅ The hidden communication shift from academy to pro sport
✅ Why chasing adaptations beats rigid training methods
✅ Surprising dose-response findings in sprint training research
✅ Smart return-to-play strategies that maintain 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/andrew-murphy-coaching-insights-from-academy-roots-to-pro-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
Aug 3, 2025 • 9min
#149 - 3 Ways Strength & Conditioning Coaches Can Make an Impact in Their Role
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why great S&C coaches succeed in three different ways
✅ The “workhorse” coach: how showing up early builds career capital
✅ The leader type: why presence and pressure shape elite teams
✅ The connector: the underrated role that makes high-performance teams click
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/3-ways-strength-conditioning-coaches-can-make-an-impact-in-their-role/
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 31, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Mukund Sivakumar: From Cricket to AFL – How He Landed a Pro Club Internship
Highlights from the episode:
✅ How Mukund landed a pro club role without a footy background
✅ The underrated checklist every S&C coach should follow
✅ When and how to contact AFL clubs for internship roles
✅ Advice to fast-track your coaching career
✅ How to filter the flood of sports science information
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/mukund-sivakumar-from-cricket-to-afl-how-he-landed-a-pro-club-internship/
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 27, 2025 • 24min
#346 - Alex Corvo, Behind the Whistle: Evolving Rugby League Performance from the Gym to the Game
👉 Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why elite athletes never settle for average
✅ How strength training data reshaped the game
✅ Boosting training morale when energy dips
✅ Which mindset is tougher to manage: winning or losing?
✅ How to lead with consistency through tough seasons
🏉 People mentioned:
✅ Wayne Bennett
✅ Mal Meninga
✅ Craig Bellamy
✅ Anthony Griffin
✅ Tim Sheens
✅ Billy Slater
✅ Cameron Smith
✅ Cooper Cron
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/?p=17522&preview=true
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 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
