
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

Apr 16, 2024 • 10min
#bitesize - Nick Kane, Head Physiotherapist at Essendon FC
Highlights from the episode:
- People who influenced him in elite sports
- What discipline should physios start if they want to work in elite sport
- Key pillars as a physio working in elite sport
- His overarching rehab principles
- How he started Sports MAP
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/nick-kane-head-physiotherapist-at-essendon-fc/
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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Apr 14, 2024 • 1h 28min
#308 - Nick Poulos, Head of High Performance at GWS Giants Football Club
Highlights from the episode:
- Traits that distinguish exceptional teams and techniques to bolster mental resilience.
- How to onboard new staff and make sure they fit in the team
- How he develop his leadership qualities
- How sport science technology influence his decision-making and how to leverage it to benefit athletes and coaches
- How to manage 'trainwreck' scenarios and balance rapid decision-making in high-stakes medical situations
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. 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/nick-poulos-head-of-high-performance-at-gws-giants-football-club/
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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Apr 11, 2024 • 11min
#bitesize - Pete Burridge, First Team Athletic Performance Coach at Bristol Bears
Highlights from the episode:
- How to get a successful internship in an elite club
- How to make a good impact and positive influence on athletes
- Why starting with the end in mind is key when planning a large group warm-up
- Why bucketing athletes into groups can be helpful for athletic development
- How does he provide explicit feedback and facilitate implicit learning to players
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/pete-burridge-first-team-athletic-performance-coach-at-bristol-bears/
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

Apr 7, 2024 • 6min
#110 - Why Strength & Conditioning is critical for developing footballers
Highlights from the episode:
- Teach fundamental movement patterns
- Teach them how to sprint and the importance of stiffness
- How to develop their skills, movement competency
- Things to avoid and steer away from
- Do Regular strength testing
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. 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/why-strength-conditioning-is-critical-for-developing-footballers/
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

Apr 4, 2024 • 9min
#bitesize - Football game day preparation - Primer sessions
Highlights from the episode:
- Should you be lifting weights in-season?
- Recovery tips after the game
- What you should do the morning of the game
- Primer sessions
- Pre-game power lift
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/football-game-day-preparation-primer-sessions/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards greater fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
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Mar 31, 2024 • 1h 1min
#307 - Dr. Matt Jordan, Player Health & Performance Consultant
Highlights from the episode:
- Fundamentals of neuromuscular adaptation that coaches and athletes need to understand for conditioning
- Using mailbox for athlete recovery and priming for an upcoming game
- Technologies he uses for neuromuscular fatigue monitoring.
- How does he program the training load if athletes have asymmetry and stiffness
- Strategies to identify phenotypes within the squad
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. 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/dr-matt-jordan-player-health-performance-consultant/
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

Mar 28, 2024 • 11min
#bitesize - Enda King PhD, Head of High Performance and Development at Aspetar
Highlights from the episode:
- Common misconceptions for injury mitigation
- Tips and advice for increasing player availability in field-based sports
- Things he considers when adjusting the training load in his sessions
- Exercises for athletes returning from a groin injury
- Practical tips parents can apply to mitigate injuries
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/enda-king-phd-head-of-high-performance-and-development-at-aspetar/
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

Mar 24, 2024 • 37min
#306 - Yoshiki Sutherland, AFL Strength & Conditioning Intern at North Melbourne FC
Highlights from the episode:
- Surprises he found in his first job compared to what he learned from uni
- Insights into the application process and the qualities that set him apart.
- Yoshiki shares his path to landing an internship with North Melbourne FC
- Yoshiki's approach to continuous learning and professional development.
- How does he balance hands-on experience with academic knowledge?
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. 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/306-yoshiki-sutherland-afl-strength-conditioning-intern-at-north-melbourne-fc/
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

Mar 21, 2024 • 10min
#bitesize - How to improve your physicality on the field
Highlights from the episode:
- Grip strength exercises
- Pulling strength exercises
- Rotational power exercises
- Frontal plane strength exercises with legs
- Practicing your physicality training with the biggest player in your squad
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/improving-physicality-on-field-strategies-athletes/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards greater fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2

Mar 17, 2024 • 24min
#108 - From Intern To Your First Pro Contract
Highlights from the episode:
- How to create valuable relationships during your internship
- Fastest route to get a fulltime contract in pro sport
- How many years in the semi-professional level before going to pro sport roles
- What academic qualifications are needed
- Advice for coaches starting in high-performance sport
Have feedback on the show? We really would love to hear from send us your feedback, 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-your-first-pro-contract/
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