
AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers
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!
Latest episodes

Jun 8, 2025 • 58min
#342 - Dr. Thomas Dos’Santos on Unlocking MultiDirectional Speed
Highlights from the episode:
✅ When does ACL rehab become performance prep?
✅ How trunk control reduces knee injury risk
✅ The unseen wear-and-tear that leads to ACL injuries
✅ Is your screening tech misleading your ACL decisions?
✅ One unpopular belief every coach should consider
People mentioned:
✅ Paul Comfort
✅ Leigh Harrington
✅ Andrew Gray
✅ Paul Jones
✅ Chris Thomas
✅ John Mcmahon
✅ Seand Miasca
✅ Damian Harper
✅ Phil Graham Smith
✅ Julien Weir
✅ Dustin Grooves
✅ Christopher Bramah
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/dr-thomas-dossantos-on-unlocking-multidirectional-speed/
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 5, 2025 • 23min
#145 - Optimise vs Maximise: The AFL Strength Battle You're Overlooking
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Optimize or maximize: what's best for in-season gains?
✅ Why some clubs train less and still win
✅ Signs athletes are overreaching vs thriving
✅ Simple ways to test if your training plan is working
✅ How does recovery look for optimized vs maximized group
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/optimise-vs-maximise-the-afl-strength-battle-youre-overlooking/
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!

Jun 1, 2025 • 52min
#341 - Jack Milligan on the 3 Key Adaptations That Shape Preseason Strength Programming
Highlights from the episode:
✅ The three training adaptations every coach should master
✅ When to use neural, morphological, technical adaptations
✅ Tools he uses to track progress in strength vs speed training
✅ Why eccentric strength is key for deceleration and agility
✅ What to prioritize when coaching on the gym floor
People mentioned:
✅ Mark Kilgaloon
✅ Jarrod Wade
✅ Mark Reaves
✅ Wayne Bennett
✅ Rob Miller
✅ Ryan Whiley
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/jack-milligan-on-the-3-key-adaptations-that-shape-preseason-strength-programming/
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

May 29, 2025 • 7min
#bitesize - Daniel Cross on The Hidden Science of Reconditioning Elite Athletes
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why cookie-cutter rehab doesn't work
✅ How elite coaches stay calm when plans collapse
✅ The underrated rehab tools you should be using (like BFR)
✅ How to balance pushing athletes with protecting them
✅ The 4-phase system that guides every top-tier 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/daniel-cross-on-the-hidden-science-of-reconditioning-elite-athletes/
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

May 25, 2025 • 16min
#144 - What role do you need to take on most: Reconditioning, Strength, or Conditioning Coach?
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Four roles every elite sports team needs to succeed
✅ Why assistant S&C coaches need more than just knowledge
✅ The misunderstood skillset of reconditioning coaches
✅ What separates great strength & power coaches from the rest
✅ The biggest mistake new coaches make (and how to avoid it)
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/what-role-do-you-need-to-take-on-most-reconditioning-strength-or-conditioning-coach/
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

May 22, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Dean Ritchie on How Concurrent Training Builds Better Athletes
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why every athlete needs concurrent training
✅ Why combat athletes train differently than AFL players
✅ The biggest mistake coaches make with athlete fatigue
✅ Does priming really boost game-day performance?
✅ Antelopes, tigers, and elephant’s athlete profiles
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/dean-ritchie-on-how-concurrent-training-builds-better-athletes/
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

May 18, 2025 • 59min
#340 - Jon Clarke | From Stress to Success: Power of Mindfulness in High-Performance Sports
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Jon’s Advice for Aspiring Coaches
✅ The Importance of Mindfulness
✅ Practical Tips for Beginners in Mindfulness
✅ The Power of Breathing Techniques
✅ Journaling for Stress Relief
People mentioned:
✅ Wim Hof
✅ Eddie Jones
✅ Michael
✅ Brene Brown
✅ Brian Mackenzie
✅ Michael Gervais
✅ Paul Stridgeon
✅ Anthony Sieblod
✅ Craig White
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/mindfulness-for-peak-performance/
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!

May 15, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - 5 Game-Changing AFL Training Tips Every Coach and Parent Should Know
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why technique is the #1 priority in Aussie rules training
✅ How healthy habits outperform elite routines early on
✅ The hidden value of balancing football with school
✅ Building resilience when kids face sport setbacks
✅ Sleep: the game-changer for growth and 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/5-game-changing-afl-training-tips-every-coach-and-parent-should-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!

May 11, 2025 • 26min
#143 - Strength Tips for Dominating This AFL Season
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Should athletes lift heavy during the season?
✅ Microdosing strength: The secret to staying powerful without fatigue
✅ Why lifting heavy might not make you faster
✅ The most common gym mistake sport coaches still make
✅ Eccentrics, isometrics, and injury-proofing your athletes
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-tips-for-dominating-this-afl-season/
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!

May 8, 2025 • 7min
#bitesize - Georgia Bevan Reveals Pro Nutrition Tips for AFL Game Day Success
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Game day nutrition strategy for AFL athletes
✅ Nutrition tips for athletes struggling to gain weight
✅ How to manage hydration and avoid overhydration in sports
✅ The role of sugar and processed carbs in sports nutrition
✅ Best evidence-based supplements for sport
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/georgia-bevan-reveals-pro-nutrition-tips-for-afl-game-day-success/
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!