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
Jan 18, 2026 • 12min
#160 - Top 5 Pre-Season Tips Every AFL Player Should Follow
Highlights from the episode:
- Why knowing your strengths should shape your entire preseason
- Balancing strengths and limiters in a demanding AFL game
- The biggest preseason mistake that turns players into numbers
- Using benchmarks and match simulation to drive real progress
- How mindset and reflection separate good and great preseasons
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-pre-season-tips-every-afl-player-should-follow/
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!
Jan 15, 2026 • 6min
#bitesize - Balin Cupples on Movement Efficiency, Synchronisation, and What Elite Teams Do Differently
Highlights from the episode:
- Why movement efficiency must be game-specific
- How video analysis improves movement and decision-making
- Re-engaging athletes during high-pressure preseason blocks
- Finding the balance between athlete ownership and staff control
- Developing leaders through experience, education, and exposure
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/balin-cupples-on-movement-efficiency-synchronisation-and-what-elite-teams-do-differently/
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
Jan 11, 2026 • 56min
#359 - Greg King on Translating Football Periodisation Across Sporting Codes
🔑 Highlights from the episode:
- Which periodization models transfer across football codes
- Using player feedback to judge if training is working
- Recovery, loading, and tapering in a seven-day week
- Go-to books and resources for mastering periodization
- Why periodization must match the coach’s playing style
🙌People Mentioned:
- Darren Burgess
- Ange Postecoglou
- Ian Mckeown
- Kevin Musket
- Damian Roden
- Martin Buchheit
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/greg-king-on-translating-football-periodisation-across-sporting-codes/
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
Jan 8, 2026 • 6min
#bitesize - Which Strength And Conditioning Role Fits You Best
Highlights from the episode:
- The four key strength and conditioning roles in team sports
- What makes a great assistant strength and conditioning coach
- Skills needed to succeed in reconditioning and rehab roles
- How elite strength and power coaches engage large squads
- Career mistakes coaches make and how to avoid them
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/which-strength-and-conditioning-role-fits-you-best/
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
Jan 7, 2026 • 7min
2025 Top 5 Monthly Update Podcast Episodes
Highlights from the episode:
- Top 5 EP133 - Back on Track: Master The Art of Reconditioning
- Top 4 EP145 - Optimize vs Maximize
- Top 3 EP143 - Strength Tips For Dominating This Season
- Top 2 EP148 - Top 5 AFL Combine Tips
- Top 1 EP146 - Developing Your Technical Model
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from send us your feedback and tell us what you love, and 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/2025-top-5-monthly-update-podcast-episodes/
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
Jan 6, 2026 • 11min
2025 Top 10 Most Listened AFL High Performance Episodes
Highlights from the episode:
- Top 1 Ep#313 Simon Harries - Exclusive Insights on Running Rehab Success
- Top 2 Ep#354 Simon Jones - Why Top Speed Isn’t the Holy Grail
- Top 3 Ep#347 Brett Smith - Tactical Periodisation for Field Sports Explained
- Top 4 Ep#331 Derek Hansen - Enhancing Speed and Efficiency for Athletes
- Top 5 Ep#349 Jared Hoare - How to Maximise Players’ Physical Prep Training
- Top 6 Ep#340 Jon Clarke - The Power of Mindfulness in High Performance Sports
- Top 7 Ep#332 Ted Rath - Living Beyond Comfort Turning Struggles Into Strength
- Top 8 Ep#342 Dr. Thomas Dos’Santos - Unlocking MultiDirectional Speed
- Top 9 Ep#337 James Wild - Acceleration Myths vs Truths What the Science Really Says
- Top 10 Ep#350 Tom Tombleson - Bridging the Gap From Injury to Performance
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from send us your feedback and tell us what you love and 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/2025-top-10-most-listened-afl-high-performance-episodes/
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
Jan 4, 2026 • 15min
#159 - AFL Agility Made Easy For Youth Footballers
Highlights from the episode:
- Agility vs change in direction
- Deceleration and acceleration mechanics that matter
- Using plyometrics to improve game reactivity
- Why single-leg strength drives better change of direction
- Mobility as a key factor in chaotic game situations
- Developing the footy brain
- My favorite reactive agility drills
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/afl-agility-made-easy-for-youth-footballers/
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!
Jan 1, 2026 • 6min
#bitesize - James Wild Explains How Acceleration Style Impacts Injury Risk in Athletes
Highlights from the episode:
- Understanding the four whole body acceleration strategies
- How bounders and striders differ in flight and contact time
- Spinners and bouncers and their unique step rates
- Injury risks linked to different acceleration strategies
- Assessing technique and supporting athletes safely
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/james-wild-explains-how-acceleration-style-impacts-injury-risk-in-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
Dec 28, 2025 • 53min
#358 - Emily Smith On Optimizing Foot Function for High-Performance Athletes
Highlights from the episode:
- Solving footwear limitations with adaptable orthotic design
- Why foot spring and first toe drive matter for speed and power
- Are modern boots helping or hurting athlete foot mechanics
- The real trade-offs of carbon-plated shoes for performance
- Training foot intrinsics to build a stronger spring system
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/emily-smith-on-optimizing-foot-function-for-high-performance-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
Dec 25, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Strength Maintenance Versus Performance Across The Season
Highlights from the episode:
- Why strength maintenance alone can fail late in the season
- Using athlete profiles to guide strength and injury risk
- Programming strength for athletes over 30 with long training history
- Microdosing strength and power without weekend fatigue
- Strength prescriptions for athletes who want more speed
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-maintenance-versus-performance-across-the-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!
