

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

Aug 1, 2022 • 53min
#152 - Justin Crow, Head of Human Performance at Melbourne Victory
Before Melbourne, Justin worked at Paralympics Australia for 2 years. He also worked as a physiotherapy consultant for TAC, AIS project lead and High-performance manager at Essendon football club, and rehabilitation coach at Collingwood FC.
Highlights from the episode:
- Comparing Leadership styles from "people first" to "performance first"
- His fave ways to develop himself
- The importance of understanding athlete learning styles for effective coaching
- How he conducts his meetings and why he runs through the list of players every day
People mentioned:
- Amir Takla
- Chris Howley
- Mick Malthouse
- David Buttifant
- Neil Craig
- John Worsfold
- Mark Thompson
- Kate Mcloughlin
- Tony Popovic
Connect with Justin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincrow/
Upcoming Prepare Like a Pro live events:
What You Need to Know as a Strength & Conditioning Coach
Fri, 19 Aug 2022
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-you-really-need-to-know-as-a-strength-conditioning-coach-tickets-385542677527
Aussie rule footballers:
Fri, 26 Aug 2022
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afl-game-day-recovery-improve-your-energy-performance-for-gameday-tickets-385499578617
Join our email newsletter for a 50% discount
Join our Academy
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow the Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the Prepare Like a Pro platform
Episode Transcript: https://preparelikeapro.com/episode-152-justin-crow/

Jul 30, 2022 • 1h 23min
#151 - John Pryor, Performance Specialist at Rugby Australia
John is the Founder of Speed Power Play. Download the app if you haven’t already.
He is also the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator at Suntory Rugby
Highlights from the episode:
- How wrestling experience can help with off-season training for inside game
- Key areas to focus on and running drills he uses for developing athletes
- How he keeps athletes engaged and have fun during his training sessions
- How to make the most of using Frans Bosch's methodology
- How to improve your influence as a strength & conditioning coach
People mentioned:
- Dean Benton
- Neil Craig
- Frans Bosch
- Ben Cousins
- Mike Tyson
- Mark Fisher
- Vern Gambetta
- Eddie Jones
- Rob Newton
- Kelvin Giles
- Shane Lehane
- Warren Young
Connect with John:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/speedpowerplay_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speedpowerplay/
Website: https://speedpowerplay.com/
This episode is Sponsored by Swift Performance!
The fitness world is evolving and so too is the equipment needed to stay ahead of the game as a coach.
Swift Performance delivers innovative technology in its timing systems and vertical jump measuring devices to ensure accuracy and efficiency in training and testing.
Developed and manufactured in Brisbane, Swift’s systems are built top-down addressing pain points identified by coaches.
No hubs, no routers, multi-zone testing along with wireless charging means set up is a breeze and also looks great on the field.
Their hardware is supported by an easy-to-use app “Syncro”.
Syncro delivers an intuitive drag-and-drop drill editor, allows for athletes to be added and edited on the spot, and easy export of data.
Only delivering the best, Swift gates are all capable of reactive agility protocols and testing, strobe lights come as standard, and for those geeks at heart, data accuracy is key.
To stay ahead of the game, you need Swift Performance on your side.
To check out Swift's performance head to their website:
https://swiftperformance.com/
Upcoming Prepare Like a Pro live events:
What You Need to Know as a Strength & Conditioning Coach
Fri, 19 Aug 2022
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-you-really-need-to-know-as-a-strength-conditioning-coach-tickets-385542677527
Aussie rule footballers:
Fri, 26 Aug 2022
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afl-game-day-recovery-improve-your-energy-performance-for-gameday-tickets-385499578617
Join our email newsletter for a 50% discount
Join our Academy
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow the Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the Prepare Like a Pro platform
Episode Transcript: https://preparelikeapro.com/episode-151-john-pryor/

Jul 26, 2022 • 11min
#39 - Catapult Software Review for strength & conditioning coaches
Highlights of the presentation:
- What is Catapult Software
- Pros of Catapult Software
- Cons of Catapult Software
- Application to Individuals and Team
- Blogpost Review
- Join our Academy for Coaches and Footballers
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the prepare like a pro platform

Jul 25, 2022 • 1h 21min
#150 - Matthew Pell, Catapult Senior Applied Sport Scientist
Before working with Catapult, Matt worked at North Melbourne FC as a Rehab Coordinator / Strength & Conditioning Coach. He’s also a Strength and Conditioning Coach (Consultant) at Penleigh Essendon Grammar School and a senior strength & conditioning coach at Carlton Football Club.
Highlights from the episode:
- Matt's top tips for developing strength & conditioning coaches wanting to gain work experience in elite sport
- Matt explains the use of tactical periodization in AFL
- Successful methods he used to get buy-in for athletes who don't like the gym
- His favorite acceleration drills for athletes
- Tips and tricks to deliver a clear message during a presentation
People mentioned:
- Paul Turk
- Joel Hocking
- Shane McCurry
- Daniel Harris
- Jona Segal
- Dani Laidley
- George Elias
- David Buttifant
- Ben Fletcher
- David Bailey
- Aaron Kellet
- Nick Foot
- Jeff Gieschen
- Jordan Bannister
- Leigh Fisher
- Mark Fraser
- Dan James
- Alex Silvani
- Stu Livingstone
- James Sicily
- Lachlan Hunter
- Dan Jones
- Matthew Turnbull
- Steve Saunders
- Dan Meehan
- Ed Vicker Willis
- Jamie Hepner
- Adam White
Connect with Matt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mathew_pell/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-pell-6bb54b26/
Email: Mathew.pell@outlook.com
Upcoming Prepare Like a Pro live events:
What You Need to Know as a Strength & Conditioning Coach
Fri, 19 Aug 2022
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-you-really-need-to-know-as-a-strength-conditioning-coach-tickets-385542677527
Aussie rule footballers:
Fri, 26 Aug 2022
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afl-game-day-recovery-improve-your-energy-performance-for-gameday-tickets-385499578617
Join our email newsletter for a 50% discount
Join our Academy
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow the Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the Prepare Like a Pro platform
Episode Transcript: https://preparelikeapro.com/episode-150-matthew-pell/

Jul 23, 2022 • 4min
#149 - Dylan Moore, Speed Forward for The Hawthorn Football Club (bite-size)
Highlights from the episode:
- How athletics training helped him during his footy draft year
- Type of athletics training he did
- Things he focuses on during the off-season
- What his rotation looks like as a wing/forward on game day for the Hawks
- His pre-game routine and music that pumps him up
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow the Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the Prepare Like a Pro platform
Episode Transcript: https://preparelikeapro.com/episode-149-dylan-moore/

Jul 19, 2022 • 8min
#38 - Our Favourite strength exercises to imporive your Fend off
Highlights of the presentation:
- Bent Arm Drills
- Straight Arm Drills
- Rotational Power Drills
- Anti Rotation Drills
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the prepare like a pro platform

Jul 18, 2022 • 55min
#148 - Valeri Stoimenov, Head of Strength & Conditioning at Bendigo Senior High School
Before Bendigo, Valeri was the head of strength and conditioning at Melbourne Hawthorn and Essendon FC as well as being part of China's physical preparation team for the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 China women's national basketball team. Before commencing his career in elite sport, Valeri was a professional handball player in Bulgaria.
Highlights from the episode:
- Valeri’s transition from a handball player to coaching in the fitness industry
- His experience moving from Bulgaria to Australia
- His favorite slow strength movements and fast explosive movements for training
- Benefits of contrast training and how he incorporates it in drills
- Mobility drills he uses for athletes
People mentioned:
- Bohdan Babijczuk
- Joel Hocking
- John Quinn
- Adam Larcom
- Dustin Fletcher
- Kevin Sheedy
- Mathew Knights
- Jack Ginnivan
- Dyson Daniel
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow the Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the Prepare Like a Pro platform
Episode Transcript: https://preparelikeapro.com/episode-148-valeri-stoimenov/

Jul 16, 2022 • 6min
#147 - Torin Baker, Carlton College of Sport & Academy Pathway Coach (bite-size)
Highlights from the episode:
- Why teaching skills is important for coaches
- Torin’s key focus when developing footballers
- Heights for good midfielders
- Traits of successful footballers
- Advice to getting into the NAB league
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow the Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the Prepare Like a Pro platform
Episode Transcript: https://preparelikeapro.com/episode-147-torin-baker/

Jul 12, 2022 • 14min
#37 - Post Game Recovery Methods to Increase Performance and Prevent Injuries
Highlights of the episode:
- Goal of Sports Science
- Sports Science with GPS
- Sport Science with SRPE
- Fatigue
- Load Management
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the prepare like a pro platform

Jul 11, 2022 • 1h 9min
#146 - Shane Lehane, Athletic Performance Coach at Sydney Swans FC
Before the Swans, he worked as a Strength & Conditioning at Leicester Tigers, Melbourne Rebels, and Rugby Australia (Wallabies) with over a decade of experience in elite sport and embarking on Ph.D. decision-making to make sound interventions.
Highlights from the episode:
- How he landed a job at Leicester Tigers after his internship
- His advice when doing internships and what his typical week looked like during his internship
- How he does a drop body height drill
- Coaching heavy & coaching light for prep work and coordination drills
- His advice when doing a program review
People mentioned:
- Frans Bosch
- Dean Benton
- John Pryor
- Warren Young
- DR Liam Hennessy
- Lance Franklin
- Chad Warner
- John Kennedy
- Bryce Cavanagh
- Dan Cosenza
- Scott Tapley
- Robb Spurs
- Mark Kilgallon
- Rob Inness
- Mike Rennie
- Alex Martin
Connect with Shane:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaneBLehane
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-lehane-57a55aba/
To join our Coaches Academy waitlist, visit the link below:
https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/
Follow the Prepare Like a Pro podcast
iTunes: https://bit.ly/Plppodcast
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zrwJEa
Thanks for tuning in and be sure to contact us for any inquiries or to discuss advertising your brand on the Prepare Like a Pro platform
Episode Transcript: https://preparelikeapro.com/episode-146-shane-lehane/