
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

Nov 30, 2023 • 26min
#99 - My Top 10 Tips to Maximise an AFL Internship
Highlights from the episode:
- Eager to learn
- Build relationships
- Show initiative
- Attention to detail
- Time management
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
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/afl-internship-success-guide/

Nov 26, 2023 • 12min
#289 - Hal Marsden, St. Kilda FC Rehabilitation Coordinator
Highlights from the episode:
- Things he would done differently when he started his career
- What hard work looks like in athletes
- How did he get to contact the heads of football clubs
- How he built his network and his mentors
- Challenges in his career and what he learned from them
- Highlights of his career
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/power-of-hard-work-achieving-success/

Nov 23, 2023 • 7min
#288 - Conor Daly, Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach at Milwaukee Bucks Inc.
Highlights from the episode:
- Tips to help strength & conditioning coaches find their passion in the fitness industry
- The importance of the physical preparation program assisting the football game plan
- The similarities and differences between rugby union, league and AFL
- The factors to consider when prescribing strength & power sessions before field sessions
- The importance of understanding the demands of the game style and how to develop physical qualities to enhance performance and mitigate injuries
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/athletic-training-similarities-afl/

Nov 19, 2023 • 1h 3min
#287 - James Hanisch, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Hawkin Dynamics
Highlights from the episode:
- How does load monitoring look like for team-based athletes when the budget is not a constraint
- Modified RSI and urine gravity testing for load management
- Common challenges coaches face when integrating the latest technology into load management strategies and actionable solutions
- How sports scientists can make a big impact
- Key metrics he likes to look at for athlete development
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/?p=13831&preview=true

Nov 16, 2023 • 8min
#286 - Alex Moore, High-Performance Manager of the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL
Highlights from the episode:
- Applying the Australian model to programming workouts for 7-foot basketball players
- Common processes for getting a full-time contract in elite sport
- How does Alex manage his schedule that can have 7 games in 10 days in 6 different cities
- The common trend most world-class athletes have
- Important skills for S&Cs or physios in rehab roles for long-term injury
Get your ticket: https://bit.ly/ben-parker-nutrition-masterclass
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/nbl-high-performance-insights/

Nov 14, 2023 • 28min
#98 - 7 Tips to hit a 2km PB this summer
Highlights from the episode:
- Know your current capacity and maximal aerobic speed
- Repeat speed day
- Flexibility and mobility
- How to take care of joint health
- Practice the test that your club does
- Mimic your training environment
- Have a target and use the running calculator
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
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/2k-time-trial-tips-for-summer/

Nov 9, 2023 • 26min
#285 - Ben Parker, Sports Performance Dietitian at Gold Coast Suns
Highlights from the episode:
- Optimizing nutrition for first-year athletes
- How to gain muscle mass for athletes
- Hydration mistakes for athletes in hotter climates
- Main sources of electrolytes
- How to prepare for a 2k time trial from a nutrition perspective
Elevate your sports nutrition with Ben Parker, AFL Sports Dietitian from the Gold Coast Suns. Join the workshop on December 17, 2023, at 10:00 AM AEST Discover nutrition's impact on performance, boost recovery, and have your questions answered.
Early Bird Savings
Purchase a ticket before November 30 and save 40% with the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/register/ben-parker-practical-application-of-elite-sports-nutrition-for-afl-athletes/?coupon=PLP-Academy
Prepare Like a Pro! 🏉🍏🤝
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/nutrition-tips-young-athletes/

Nov 5, 2023 • 57min
#284 - Bill Tait, The Director of Performance Systems with ASC & Paralympic Partnerships
Highlights from the episode:
- Key principles for strategic planning
- Tips to unleash the creative side of people
- How the environment or setting affects creativity
- Favorite strategies to manage squads/groups of different levels
- Bill’s advice to communicate effectively in large groups
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/strategic-problem-solving-communication/

Nov 2, 2023 • 8min
#283 - Joshua Manuel, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Adelaide Football Club
Highlights from the episode:
- Why did he switch from his physio pathway to strength & conditioning
- The importance of being enthusiastic and understanding your role as an intern
- Why develop a reflection practice to make the most of your mentor and learnings
- The 3 key pillars for the Crow’s athletic development plan
- How Josh designs his training programs and session plans
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/afc-athletic-development-insights/

Oct 29, 2023 • 1h 19min
#282 - Jonas Dodoo, Performance consultant for England Rugby and Head coach for Speedwork's Training
Highlights from the episode:
- His philosophy when creating a program to improve an athlete's max speed and acceleration
- Effective strategies to improve athletes' running technique using video analysis
- How to simplify your needs analysis process
- The importance of coaching correct loading for plyometrics
- Jona’s favorite coaching cues for acceleration and max velocity
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/mastering-athletic-excellence-insights-coaches/