AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers
Prepare Like a Pro with Jack Mclean
Welcome to the βAFL 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 donβt 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 donβt forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@PrepareLikeAPro to get more high performance value!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 7, 2025 β’ 55min
#349 - Jared Hoare on Beyond the Generalized Warm-Up β How to Maximise Playersβ Physical Prep Training
π Highlights from the episode:
β
β
What true AFL preparation really looks like
β
Why modern training demands more than drills
β
How rehab turned into a rewarding experience
β
Hard lessons learned from years in the game
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Why high care and high challenge create better athletes
β
People mentioned:
β
β
Darren Burgess
β
Luke Vella
β
Anthony Siebold
β
Michael Dobin
β
Josh Manual
β
Rob Jarrett
β
Paul Bowen
β
Duncan Kellaway
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
βββ β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
ββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/jared-hoare-on-beyond-the-generalized-warm-up-how-to-maximise-players-physical-prep-training/
βββ ββ
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.
ββββ β
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Sep 4, 2025 β’ 6min
#bitesize - Running Power in AFL: The Hidden Key to Speed, Strength & Endurance
Highlights from the episode:
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β
Why running power shapes modern AFL performance
β
The hidden role of running economy in reducing injuries
β
Power, speed, and endurance: the three pillars of AFL training
β
Strength standards every developing footballer should chase
β
Why compound lifts unlock real speed and agility gains
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
βββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/running-power-in-afl-the-hidden-key-to-speed-strength-endurance/
βββββ β
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring youβre fully prepared to dominate on the field!
βββββ β
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
βββββ β
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
βββββ β
π 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.
βββββ β
π But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
βββββ β
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
βββββ β
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!
Aug 31, 2025 β’ 13min
#151 - AFL Plyometric Program Tips for Young Footballers
Highlights from the episode:
ββ
β
Why AFL players need plyometric power
β
The best way to start young athletes safely
β
Building from extensive to intensive plyometric work
β
Using force plates to measure reactivity
β
Clearing misconceptions about plyometric training
ββ
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
ββ
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/afl-plyometric-program-tips-for-young-footballers/
β
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring youβre fully prepared to dominate on the field!
β
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
β
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
β
π 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.
β
π But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
β
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
β
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!
Aug 28, 2025 β’ 6min
#bitesize - James Grierson on AFL Rehab and Return-to-Play Strategies
Highlights from the episode:
β
β
How AFL physios own mistakes in rehab decisions
β
The hidden athlete factors coaches often miss
β
Key drivers of soft tissue injury reoccurrence in AFL
β
Accelerated vs conservative return to play in elite sport
β
Effective communication between coaches and rehab staff
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
βββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/james-grierson-on-afl-rehab-and-return-to-play-strategies/
βββ β
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.
β
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Aug 24, 2025 β’ 49min
#348 - Simon Kearney on Beyond the Training Load: What Work and Life Stress Mean for Athlete Readiness
π Highlights from the episode:
β
β
Why top organizations thrive on leadership culture
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Hitters vs huggers: Finding the coaching style athletes need
β
How Simon monitors athlete readiness and well-being
β
Most impactful factors that affect athlete readiness
β
Why buddy systems uncover the truth behind well-being
β
People mentioned:
β
β Craig Bellamy
β Frank Ponissi
β Neale Daniher
β Alicia Molik
β Gerry Ryan
β Paul Ford
β Alan Richardson
β Mick Malthouse
β Paul Francis
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
βββ β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
ββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/simon-kearney-on-beyond-the-training-load-what-work-and-life-stress-mean-for-athlete-readiness/
βββ ββ
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.
ββββ β
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Aug 21, 2025 β’ 5min
#bitesize - Bulking Myths in Footy: The Science Behind Muscle Growth and Performance
Highlights from the episode:
β
β
Progressive overload through time under tension
β
Progressive overload by tracking tonnage
β
The missing link between dieticians and muscle growth
β
How running loads can limit hypertrophy in footballers
β
The interference effect that kills your gains
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
βββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/bulking-myths-in-footy-the-science-behind-muscle-growth-and-performance/
βββββ β
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring youβre fully prepared to dominate on the field!
βββββ β
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
βββββ β
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
βββββ β
π 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.
βββββ β
π But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
βββββ β
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
βββββ β
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!
Aug 17, 2025 β’ 14min
#150 - From Intern to Pro: Your Path to Making an Impact in Pro Sport
Highlights from the episode:
ββ
β
Should you be a generalist or a specialist?
β
What traits or skills AFL clubs are looking at?
β
The hidden skill that makes athletes actually listen
β
Why research can fast-track your coaching career
β
What happens when coaches train like athletes
ββ
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
ββ
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/from-intern-to-pro-your-path-to-making-an-impact-in-pro-sport/
β
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 β’ 5min
#bitesize - Angus Littlefieldβs In-Season Footy Training, Recovery Hacks, and Gameday Mindset
Highlights from the episode:
β
β
Turning defence into attack from the backline
β
Choosing to put in the work on tough days
β
Footy recovery hacks: nutrition and hydration that deliver results
β
When elite habits become second nature
β
In-season footy training and recovery structure for peak performance
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
βββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/angus-littlefields-in-season-footy-training-recovery-hacks-and-gameday-mindset/
βββ β
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring youβre fully prepared to dominate on the field!
βββββ β
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
βββββ β
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
βββββ β
π 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.
βββββ β
π But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
βββββ β
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
βββββ β
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!
βββββ β
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Aug 10, 2025 β’ 45min
#347 - Brett Smith on Tactical Periodisation for Field Sports Explained
π Highlights from the episode:
β
β
Why elite champions thrive despite abnormal performance markers
β
The unforgettable wins that shaped a high-performance career
β
Rethinking preseason: training backwards from the finals
β
The key GPS metrics that really matter in elite sport
β
Why tactical periodisation demands full coaching buy-in
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
βββ β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
ββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/brett-smith-on-tactical-periodisation-for-field-sports-explained/
βββ ββ
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.
ββββ β
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Aug 7, 2025 β’ 6min
#bitesize - Andrew Murphy: Coaching Insights from Academy Roots to Pro Sport
Highlights from the episode:
β
β
Why coding and curiosity stood out in a PhD interview
β
The hidden communication shift from academy to pro sport
β
Why chasing adaptations beats rigid training methods
β
Surprising dose-response findings in sprint training research
β
Smart return-to-play strategies that maintain performance
β
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 youβre enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
β
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
βββββ β
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/andrew-murphy-coaching-insights-from-academy-roots-to-pro-sport/
βββ β
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.
β
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
