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
Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
#343 - Paul Comfort on Force Plate Testing – How to Use Data to Drive Training Decisions
Highlights from the episode:
✅ The #1 mistake coaches make when using performance data
✅ The most reliable test for max strength revealed
✅ The explosive power benchmark every athlete should hit
✅ Why most force plate testing is misunderstood
✅ How to fix weak ankles and build bulletproof calves
People mentioned:
✅ Key force plate metrics AFL coaches should monitor
✅ How to individualize strength programs using force plate data
✅ The role of asymmetry scores in injury prediction and performance monitoring
✅ Differences between jump testing, 1RM, and isometric testing for force and RFD and when to use each
✅ How force plates assist in return-to-play protocols post-lower limb injuries
✅ Common mistakes coaches make when first adopting this tech
✅ Strategies to enhance muscle mass and force production
✅ The importance of standardization and reliability in force testing
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/343-paul-comfort-on-force-plate-testing-how-to-use-data-to-drive-training-decisions/
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.
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https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Jun 19, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Lachlan James on The 5 Strength Qualities Every Coach Needs to Train Smarter
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Where did the five strength domains come from?
✅ Why maximal and fast strength matter most in sport
✅ What is reactive strength and why does it need unique training?
✅ How to choose the right strength metrics for your context
✅ The biggest mistake coaches make with jump testing
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/lachlan-james-on-the-5-strength-qualities-every-coach-needs-to-train-smarter/
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.
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https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Jun 15, 2025 • 19min
#146 - Developing Your Technical Model for Field Athletes
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why a technical model matters more than drills
✅ Are kinograms useful or just outdated snapshots?
✅ Sprint Movement Assessments (SMAs)
✅ Cutting Movement Assessments (CMAs)
✅ Grouping athletes for smarter rehab and speed 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/developing-your-technical-model-for-field-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
Jun 12, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Anthony Cutrupi on Integrating S&C with Tactical and Technical Training
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why integrating physical and tactical training unlocks real performance
✅ How skill-based plyometrics drive motivation and mastery
✅ Managing injury risk in high-speed training for large squads
✅ The broaden and build theory: from basic drills to elite execution
✅ From GPS data to coaching feedback: how to adjust on the fly
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/anthony-cutrupi-on-integrating-sc-with-tactical-and-technical-training/
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 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!
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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
