

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, 2024 • 11min
#299 - How to pace your 2km Time Trial
Highlights from the episode:
- Running calculator
- Training paces by the intensity
- Focus on the process instead of the outcome
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/master-2k-time-trial-pacing-guide/
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

7 snips
Jan 14, 2024 • 1h 6min
#298 - Phil Graham-Smith, Head of Biomechanics & Innovation at Aspire Academy
Phil Graham-Smith, the Head of Biomechanics & Innovation at Aspire Academy, delves into the fascinating world of biomechanics in athletics. He discusses the importance of isokinetic testing for quad and hamstring strength and shares essential advice for strength and conditioning coaches. Listeners will learn about the latest pose estimation apps and the key principles behind sport-specific technical models. Graham-Smith also emphasizes the need for creativity and critical thinking in sports science, advocating for better communication between coaches and scientists to optimize performance.

Jan 11, 2024 • 23min
#104 - 2024 Strength & Conditioning Projections
Highlights from the episode:
- Emerging trends for 2024
- Challenges for coaches in 2024
- How can coaches enhance athlete development
- How can coaches be adaptable and flexible in the industry
- How can coaches engage in the community to share insights
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/elite-coaching-success-2024/
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

Jan 7, 2024 • 45min
#297 - GBP top 10 episodes for 2023
Highlights from the episode:
#10 - Top 10 tips for AFL recovery
#9 - How to develop an AFL body
#8 - Tempo running Vs maximal aerobic speed
#7 - 7 tips to hit a 2km PB this summer
#6 - Annual periodization for Australian footy
#5 - When should my child start lifting weights
#4 - Bodybuilding for Australian football
#3 - Tips to land your first full-time job in the AFL
#2 - AFL strength & power program
#1 - My top programming principles
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/data-driven-performance-strategies/
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

Jan 4, 2024 • 51min
#296 - Top 10 Interviews for 2023
Highlights from the episode:
#10 - Peta Carige, Consultant Performance Sports Dietitian
#9 - David Joyce, High-Performance Coach
#8 - Jacob Jennings, Head of Sport Science at Brisbane Broncos
#7 - Steve Saunders, Science and Medicine Consultant
#6 - Leigh Egger, Head of Performance at Feyenoord Rotterdam
#5 - Nathan Kiely, Rehab and Speed Coach for Brisbane Broncos
#4 - Billy Hulin, Head of Sport Science at Collingwood FC
#3 - Carmen Colomer, Head of Performance at Perth Glory
#2 - Max Gawn, Captain of the Melbourne Football Club
#1 - Frans Bosch, Founder of Frans Bosch Systems
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-high-performance-strategies-podcast/
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

Dec 31, 2023 • 21min
#102 - My AFL Season 2024 Draft Top 6 Tips
Highlights from the episode:
- Game weekly performance
- Living an elite lifestyle
- Reputation outside of football
- Combine testing results
- GPS and gameday output
- Injuries and medical history
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-draft-success-blueprint/
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

Dec 28, 2023 • 10min
#295 - Is running everyday bad for footballers?
Highlights from the episode:
- Best recovery for preseason
- How to drop skinfolds in 4 weeks
- When and where to use a foam roller and the raygun
- Is running every day bad?
- How to improve running efficiency
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-football-recovery-guide/

Dec 24, 2023 • 33min
#101 - AFL Periodisation Strategies To Maximise Your Teams Performance
Highlights for the episode:
- Macrocycle approach
- Linear block approach
- Tactical periodization
- Funnel periodization
- Microcycle approach
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/
Read more: https://preparelikeapro.com/afl-performance-periodization-guide/

Dec 21, 2023 • 11min
#294 - Jacob Tober, Co-founder of MetricVBT
Highlights from the episode:
- Importance of confidence in dealing with athletes
- Why you need the experience to fast-track your coaching career
- His role at Core Advantage
- How the Metric app they developed helps athletes
- Where to download the Metric app
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/maximizing-barbell-velocity-jacob-tober/

Dec 17, 2023 • 55min
#293 - Sam Dodge, Head of Strength & Power at Adelaide Football Club
Highlights for the episode:
- Advice and challenges for coaches transitioning from Rugby to AFL
- How he tackles neck training in AFL
- Difference between the head of strength and power of Rugy and AFL
- How he does primer sessions for rugby and footy
- How he individualizes his program for a large squad of 40-45 players
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-transitions-adapting-codes/