AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers
Episodes
#254 - Simon Thomas, Head of High-Performance at Western Force
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Elements to create a high-performance environment and a culture of excellence - Effective Communication that drive...
#87 - Enhance Your Performance AFL Post Game Recovery and Body Management
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Fuel and hydration strategy on game day - Relaxation strategies - Passive recovery - Active recovery - Cold wat...
#253 - Steve Allan, Sports Physio at West Coast Eagles FC
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - What does a physio's schedule look like in his time on West Coast - How often an athlete should try something new ...
#252 - Daniel Zaknich, Senior Physical Performance Coach at GWS Giants
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Big rocks when preparing athletes to perform at a high level - Practical tips on strength training and recovery fo...
#86 - Injury mitigation and rehabilitation protocols for AFL athletes
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Efficient and quality movement patterns - Reactive strength and elasticity - Staying curious and having a growth m...
#251 - Nathan Parnham, Head of Performance Development at Brisbane Grammar School
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he started working with Darren Burgess and gained experience - Mentors who have helped him along the way - Why...
#250 - Jacob Jennings, Head of Sport Science at Brisbane Broncos
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Difference in demand of NAB league and AFL players - Finding his research on what makes athletes get drafted - Ho...
#85 - AFL Running Program
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Build your base - Football Fitness - Technical proficiency - Microdose your speed and agility work Are yo...
#249 - Meg Hutchins, Retired AFLW Player | VFLW Player Development Mentor
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How AFLW began and Meg's involvement in setting up the Collingwood list and operations - What she learned working ...
#248 - John Kiely, Senior Lecturer in Performance and Innovation, PE and Sports Sciences
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - The role of psychological factors that influence athletic performance - Are soft skills trainable? - How to desig...
#84 - What AFL players do for recovery
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Developing a library of effective recovery techniques - Have a process you stick to - What do you believe work...
#247 - Jaspa Fletcher, Midfielder at Brisbane Lions
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - His key focuses leading to gameday and his favorite recovery methods - How he develops an elite lifestyle and the ...
#246 - Gerard O’Donnell, Coach Education Manager at Athletics Ireland
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Key components for acceleration in team sport athletes - Training methods and drills he uses to improve top speed,...
#83 - Top 10 Tips to Get Better at AFL
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Write down clear goals - Breakdown and divide the skill of the topic into smaller parts - Practice regularly - ...
#245 - Joel Hocking, High Performance Coach at St Monica’s College Epping
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How his love for S&C started - Fave ways to develop himself and his practical skills as an S&C coach - Habits to d...
#244 - Ben Griffin, Manager at RealFITT Strength & Conditioning
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How RealFitt built their client base - What social media platform to start marketing your brand - How Ben manages...
#82 - Mastering the AFL Marathon - 6 Essential Strategies for Prolonging Your Playing Career
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Emphasize key compound movements in the gym - Incorporate explosive movements - Maintain an aerobic stimulus - ...
#243 - Anthony Koutoufides, Founder of Kouta Fit and an AFL Legend
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - People who influenced his footy career - How to improve your power and speed as an athlete - How his sports psy...
#242 - Leigh Egger, Head of Performance at Feyenoord Rotterdam
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Feyenoord Rotterdam’s multi-faceted approach to performance - How a breakfast club accelerates successful pl...
#81 - AFL Plyometric Training
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Consider training age - Consider your body mass - Know your medical limitations - Know when to do plyometric train...
#241 - Steve Gravina, Senior Sports Physiotherapist at Front Runner Physiotherapy and Coaching
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he made his connection as a physio and move up the ranks - Mentors who shaped Steve's career - How he handles...
#240 - Des Ryan, Director of Coaching and Performance at Setanta College
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Key Topic: How to create a successful athletic development program. Highlights from the episode: - His key philosophy for athlete developm...
#80 - The four key themes to planning your Football Training
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Training themes - The energy of the group - The balance between work and time away from the club - Importance of...
#239 - Dom Condo, Performance Science and Nutrition Manager at Richmond FC
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Nutrition advice for developing footballers - Where to find Dom's recipes that people can follow - Benefits of pe...
#238 - Nathan Kiely, Rehab and Speed Coach for Brisbane Broncos
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Key Topic: A guide to speed development for NRL athletes Highlights from the episode: - Secrets behind maximizing speed potential in NRL athlet...
#79 - 5 business tips for personal trainers and strength & conditioning staff
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights of the episode: - Have a theme from a marketing point of view - Have a consistent schedule - Involve the community and provide free value ...
#237 - Nik Popovic, Director of Sports Performance WBB at the University of Southern California
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How Nik discovered his passion for sports - How he smashed his interview and landed his first job - People who inf...
#236 - Suzy Russell, Ph.D. in Mental Fatigue in Elite Sport at The University of Queensland
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - What mental fatigue is and how it differ from physical fatigue - How does mental fatigue impact athletic performan...
#78 - Local Senior Football Strength & Conditioning Advice
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Start preseason in January - Complete 80% of your training sessions - Rest every 8 to 10 weeks - First session sho...
#235 - Luke Meehan, Physical Performance Manager at Richmond Football Club
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he met Loris Bertolacci - How to get the most out of your internship - People who influenced his career - How ...
#234 - Peta Carige, Consultant Performance Sports Dietitian
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Key Topic: How to periodize for different energy needs depending on the sport and athletes Highlights from the episode: - What is periodizat...
#77 - How to Train for Your AFL Playing Position
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Midfielder position training - Inside mid-position training - Midforward and speed defender position training - Ke...
#233 - Jacob van Rooyen, Melbourne FC Key Forward
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he started footy and the people who influenced him - How Jacob managed to still perform during the challenging...
#232 - Phill Moreland, Senior Sport Science Manager Human Performance at Royal Australian Air Force
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - His advice for people who don't upskill themselves and stay in their comfort zone - Performance facilities and tec...
#76 - Top 5 Tips for Footballers Gain 5kg of muscle in less than 8 weeks
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Get a surplus of your caloric intake - Eat plenty of protein - Lift Heavy - Get enough rest and sleep - Hire a str...
#231 - Matthew Pell, Catapult Senior Applied Sport Scientist
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights of the episode: - Matt's top tips for developing strength & conditioning coaches wanting to gain work experience in elite sport - Matt...
#230 - Scott Smith, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Melbourne Victory FC
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Key Topic: How to continue to maximize athletic development while managing a condensed schedule. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Scot...
#75 - Essential Speed and Strength Training Tips for the In-Season Phase
30 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Tip #1: Hit 2 to 3 reps of your max velocity once a week - Tip #2: Improve max strength - Tip #3: Consistency Pays...
#229 - Dylan Shiel, Star Midfielder for the Essendon Football Club
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Mindfulness training - How he works on his weaknesses during the offseason - What he does before a game that benef...
#228 - Alex Auerbach, Sport Psychologist for Toronto Raptors Basketball
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - What does peak performance look and feel like - His philosophy on educating athletes struggling to move on after m...
#74 - 3 Tips for Footballers Wanting to Get Drafted in AFL
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Tip #1 - Tip #2 - Tip #3 - Free workout for aerobic capacity Are you ready to enhance your game? Our progra...
#227 - Aaron Kellett, Coach | Human Performance | Athlete Development
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he started his passion for strength & conditioning - People who influenced his career and philosophy - How he ...
#226 - Julian Jones, Performance Services Manager at Australian Institue of Sport
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Effective ways to profile athletes - Technical skills for S&C coaches to develop - Tips for improving communicati...
#73 - Olympic Lifting VS Loaded Jumps and Throws: What’s Better for Power Development
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Sport Demands - Environment Constraint - Athletes Profile - Podcast recommendation ft. Marketing Millenials A...
#225 - Tim Parham, Head of Player Health and Performance Rehabilitation at Adelaide Football Club
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - His biggest challenges and what he learned - How he upskills himself - What he notes down on athletes during the r...
#224 - Scott Salwasser, Director of Athletic Performance
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Key fundamentals for performing agility actions on the game day - His stance for contact sports doing agility in t...
#72 - The Science Behind Strength and Conditioning for AFL
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Work - tracking distance using GPS - Response to work using questionnaire and HRV measurements - Tracking athlete ...
#223 - Matt McGregor, AFL Players' Association Psychologist
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - People who influence him early in his career - Things footballers need to start practicing for their mental health...
#222 - Rett Larson, Vice President at JuzPlay Performance Training
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How coaches in new environments can increase athletes’ enjoyment of their sessions without compromising on the t...
#71 - My Top 5 AFL Strength & Conditioning Tips
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Knowing your strengths - Consistency - Follow a program by an S&C coach, not a Personal Trainer - Enjoy the proces...
#221 - Cameron Falloon, Founder & Joint CEO of Body Fit Training
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - When he started his passion for fitness - His focus points on his rehabilitation - Challenges he faced and what he...
#220 - Louis Mazza, Senior Academy S&C Coach at Western United FC
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - What he learned from successful clubs from different leagues - His key focuses or big rocks for his daily and week...
#70 - Where to go to get better at coaching
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Best performance gyms to gain coaching experience - Academy and online memberships to gain coaching education - Be...
#219 - Gerard Majda, Founder of Body Majic
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Instagram and TikTok content strategy - His mentors and people who influenced him - Body Majic’s 8-week training...
#218 - David Joyce, High-Performance Coach
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How cognitive tunneling helps as a coping strategy when dealing with pressure - Performance mindset: Is it inbuilt...
#69 - How to Effectively Transition from Pre-Season to In-Season Loading
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Developing robust athletes - Mistake #1 Intensity wearing off - Mistake #2 Recovery culture - Mistake #3 Max velo...
#217 - Emily Meehan, Advanced Sports Dietitian at Victorian Institute of Sport
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Emily's advice to her past self when she was starting as a dietician - Her advice to newly hired dieticians on how...
#216 - Cullan Ball, Head Physio at Western Sydney Wanderers FC
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Influencers and mentors that shaped his philosophy - How he came about the idea that physios can benefit by thinking m...
#68 - Fuelling strategies to enhance gameday performance
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Fuelling appropriately and how to get Jess Spendlove's ebook - Timing of your food - Hydration and best electroly...
#215 - JB Morin, PhD Professor & Consultant - Sports Performance
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - JB's mentors and influencers - Tips to improve max velocity - How JB gives feedback and cues to athletes - Drills ...
#214 - Steve Saunders, Science and Medicine Consultant
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Common challenges for performance teams and medical staff members to collaborate effectively - Using collaborative...
#67 - Tempo Running VS Maximal Aerobic Speed and Anaerobic Speed Reserve
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - What is tempo running - Pros of tempo running prescription - Cons of tempo running prescription - What is Max aero...
#213 - Jacqui Louder, Sport and Exercise Psychologist at Melbourne Storm
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How to become a sports psychologist - Advice for aspiring sports psychologists who want to work in elite sport - H...
#212 - Billy Hulin, Head of Sport Science at Collingwood FC
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Key considerations when considering applying new research into your practice - Practically effective Research pape...
#66 - Understanding the principles of strength & conditioning for true injury mitigation
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Needs and profile analysis - Understanding the key strength exercises - Hip flection and hip extension - Having a ...
#211 - Sam Newman, Former Australian Rules Footballer
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Sam's inspirational quote and life motto - His pet peeves in his work life - His favorite way to spend his day off...
#210 - Carmen Colomer, Head of performance at Perth Glory
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Strong mentors and influencers who shaped her philosophy today - Effective methods for measuring training load in ...
#65 - Why Coaches must embrace chaos
19 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Using an iPhone calendar - Write down your non-negotiables for the day - Filter tasks from low, medium, and high-e...
#209 - Harry Sharp, Midfielder for the Brisbane Lions Football Club
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he manages his athletics load and when he started focusing on footy - What does his typical training week loo...
#208 - Vaughn Steward, Caulfield Grammarian's Senior Men PLP Junior Coach
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Common mistakes he notices while working with athletes and how to avoid him - Topics he recommends and advice for ...
#64 - Top 10 Tips for AFL Performance Recovery
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Measure what you want to improve - Coping strategies for mental and emotional stress - Measure your HRV - Meditati...
#207 - Robert Aughey, Sport Scientist and Professor at Victoria University
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rob is an expert in the design, monitoring, and interpretation of training and training load in athletes built over two decades as an applied sport sc...
#206 - James Joc, Founder of The Footy Coach
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - What do coaches at the elite level excel at - How to find the football age group to focus your coaching career -...
#63 - 5 tips to boost your confidence
05 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Tip #1 Be consistent with your skill routine - Tip #2 Improve your ability to produce maximal force - Tip #3 Boost...
#205 - Kevin Ball, Biomechanics AFL Kicking Expert
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Before Victoria University, Kevin worked across multiple High-Performance sporting teams including Melbourne Football Club, Hawthorn Football Club, Fr...
#204 - Breanna Mcgrath, Caulfield Grammarian's Senior Womens PLP Junior Coach
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Creating your exercise prescription for complex rehab - How she met John Quinn and influenced her to be a sports p...
#62 - AFL 2km Time Trial Tips
29 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Running Calculator - Training Paces by Intensity - Powertip of the week Are you ready to enhance your game? O...
#203 - Sam Switkowski, Speed Forward at Fremantle Football Club
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Sam shares on how to improve your confidence as a footy player - People who influenced Sam’s footy career - Thin...
#202 - Caleb Morgan, West Melbourne-Based Prepare Like a Pro Coach
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Coaches who influenced his career - Common mistakes that coaches and athletes make - His favorite way to develop ...
#61 - Annual Periodisation for Aussie Rules Football
22 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Annual Planning Program - Training Load Prescription - Conditioning Session - Tip #1 - Top 10 Tips for Coaches - T...
#201 - Jess Spendlove, Performance Dietitian
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Periodizing your nutrition for performance - How much caffeine for acute performance - How Jess upskills herself a...
#200 - Max Gawn, Captain of the Melbourne Football Club
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Key Topic: Leadership, Resilience, and Melbourne Football Club Highlights from the episode: - Why finding your leadership style is important...
#60 - Body Building for Australian Rules Football
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Planes of Movement - Use Full Range Motion - Maximal Loads and Explosive Movements - Bracing is the Key - Podcast ...
#199 - Bohdan Babijczuk, Running Specialist Coach
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bohdan Babijczuk, one of Australia's most respected fitness coaches, has had a strong involvement with AFL football. He is a highly experienced athlet...
#198 - Nathan Spencer, Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach at NSW Institute of Sport
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Do's and don’ts for coaching adaptability in a team - Knowing when to be adaptable - How do they plan their t...
Top 10 Get Better Plan Episodes of 2022
08 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Top 10, #18 - The mindset you need to reach your potential - Top 9, #17 - Why you need to avoid quick easy wins - ...
#197 - Paul Roos, Founder & Director at Performance by Design
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Roos (Roosy) is one of Australia's most respected footballers. A two-time Australian captain, Roos played 356 games and was inducted into the AFL...
#196 - James Wolfenden, Prahran-Based Prepare Like a Pro Coach
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
James has worked as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach (VFL) for the Carlton Football Club. He was also a Sport Scientist/Strength & Conditioning ...
#59 - My Top Programming Principles
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Time under tension - Remember it's all GPP - Replace de load with intro week - Flip your sets and reps for accumul...
#195 - Peter Brukner, Chairperson at Defeat Diabetes
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he started his passion for nutrition - The effect of switching from eating sugary and high-carb foods to real ...
#194 - Vince Kelly, Associate Professor of Sports Science, Strength, and Conditioning at QUT
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vince is an experienced High-Performance Manager with 20 years of experience in elite sport roles gained in professional football codes and Olympic sp...
Top 10 Podcasts for 2022
25 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Intro for our 2022 Top 10 Podcasts - 10th place - #102 - Will Hams, Co-Founder of Liminal Wellbeing - 9th place - ...
#193 - Darren Burgess, High Performance Manager at Adelaide Football Club
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Key areas of focus for developing footballers - How small-sided games help AFL athletes - Developing Intensity and pi...
#192 - Nick Murray, Applied Sport Science in the AFL - Everything You Need to Know
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nick is an experienced scientist with over nine years of experience in a professional sporting environment. With strong technical knowledge combined w...
#58 - My 2022 Year Reflection and My Key Learnings
18 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Spotify followers' giveaways - Our Top 10 2022 podcast episodes - 2022 Reflections - Big lessons for this year ...
#191 - Andrew Russell, High Performance Director at Carlton Football Club
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How to help athletes focus on what's important and handle stress - The importance of asking lots of questions - Im...
#190- Nick Kane: Key principles of being a physio in the AFL & Continued development
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nick is the Physiotherapist at Essendon FC and owner of Complete Balance Physiotherapy & Pilates in Maribyrnong & Tullamarine. Holding a Master in Spo...
#57 - My Key takeaways From a Recent Workshop with Bill Knowles
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - Movement is medicine and earning the right to progression - Respecting injuries are neurophysiological - Challengi...
#189 - John Quinn, Exercise Physiologist at GWS Giants
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Highlights from the episode: - How he started in AFL and his career journey - Difference between a track and field team vs a football team - Stro...
#188 - Pete Burridge, Programming For Speed Development In Pro Sports
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pete Burridge is a First Team Athletic Performance Coach at Bristol Bears Rugby in England. A graduate of Loughborough University, he previously spent...