The High Performance Podcast for AFL Staff & Athletes
640 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingWelcome to the “High-Performance Podcast for AFL Staff & Athletes," 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!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
#98 - 7 Tips to hit a 2km PB this summer
November 14, 2023 13:53 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBHighlights 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 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 really enjoying the show, please leave us a review....
#285 - Ben Parker, Sports Performance Dietitian at Gold Coast Suns
November 09, 2023 16:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MBHighlights 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 ques...
#284 - Bill Tait, The Director of Performance Systems with ASC & Paralympic Partnerships
November 05, 2023 16:00 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MBHighlights 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 really enjoying the show, please leave us a r...
#283 - Joshua Manuel, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Adelaide Football Club
November 02, 2023 16:00 - 7 minutes - 11 MBHighlights 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 wh...
#282 - Jonas Dodoo, Performance consultant for England Rugby and Head coach for Speedwork's Training
October 29, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBHighlights 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 wha...
#281 - Jarrod Wade, High Performance Manager at Collingwood Football Club
October 26, 2023 17:50 - 6 minutes - 8.69 MBHighlights from the episode: - Considerations for loading in pre-season - Importance of chasing one key area of athletic development each week rather than all of them - Why GPS is not a good measure of training load - How to manifest energy when players are having it tough during their training block - Common mistakes when planning in-season performance work 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 ...
#280 - Andrew Lulham, Consultant Strength & Conditioning Coach and Track & Field Coach
October 24, 2023 16:00 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBHighlights from the episode: - How sprinting, jumping, and lifting are interconnected - Is sprinting speed based on genetics or can be improved by a coach? - Training protocols for improving sprinting speed - The role of explosive power and plyometrics in improving jumping technique - Building a balanced and effective lifting program for athletes 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...
#279 - Samantha McLeod, Sport Psychologist at Richmond Tigers Football Club
October 19, 2023 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBHighlights from the episode: - Importance of getting out of your comfort zone - Getting experience in elite sport as a sports psychologist - What it takes to develop a champion's mindset - How to improve your recovery and performance with diaphragmatic breathing - Mental skills athletes can start practicing now to become elite 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 really en...
#278 - David Boyle, High Performance Manager Officiating NRL
October 17, 2023 16:00 - 38 minutes - 35.8 MBHighlights from the episode: - How coaches adapt to strategy on the fly on game day - Tips to prepare for those striving for the head of high-performance role - Why are emotional intelligence and leadership courses more in demand right now - Importance of cognitive decision-making for coaches and high-performance managers - Team first mentality and why coaches should lead by example Read More: https://preparelikeapro.com/?p=13354&preview=true Have feedback on the show? We really would love...
#277 - Justin Crow, Head of Human Performance at Melbourne Victory Football Club
October 12, 2023 16:00 - 4 minutes - 7.06 MBPrior to Melbourne, Justin worked at Paralympics Australia for 2 years. He also worked as a physiotherapy consultant for TAC, an AIS project lead and High-Performance manager at Essendon Football Club, and a rehabilitation coach at Collingwood Football ClHighlights 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 does he conduct ...
#276 - Jeremy Hickmans, High Performance Manager & Blake Duncan, Athletic Performance Coach
October 10, 2023 16:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBHighlights from the episode: - Using the transference approach in gym programs - How the transference approach helps athletes in their mindset and performance - Things to consider when implementing the transference approach - Key pillars that they focus on with the transference approach - How the rotational aspect helps athletes Read More: https://preparelikeapro.com/athletic-performance-training-integration/
#275 - Brenton Egglestone, Head Physiotherapist at North Melbourne Football Club
October 05, 2023 16:00 - 5 minutes - 8.47 MBHighlights from the episode: - Brenton’s four key pillars for returning a footballer to performance - How he upskills himself - Why learning how to work in a team is critical to working in elite sport - How do your biggest learnings come from those you work closest - Developing an earn the right philosophy and how to apply it to rehabilitation Read More: https://preparelikeapro.com/sports-rehabilitation-success-expert-tips/
#274 - James Tatham | AIS Performance, Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach
October 03, 2023 16:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBHighlights from the episode: - Mindfulness practices he learned in Nepal - His personal journey and connection to Buddhism - Exploring the concept of establishing an emotional home base for athletes - Impact of James's experiences in Nepal on his approach to coaching - How to improve focus and mindfulness Read more: https://preparelikeapro.com/mastering-mindfulness-transform-focus/
#97 - Senior Football Players Guide to Injury Mitigation & Fitness
October 01, 2023 16:00 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBHighlights from the episode: - Timing your run - Ideal Body Composition - Look after your general health - Pilates and yoga - Have an individual strength program focused on resilience - Listen to your body Click this link for more information: https://preparelikeapro.com/senior-football-injury-prevention/
#273 - Scott Dickinson, Swimming Gold Coast Hub Manager at Queensland Academy of Sport
September 28, 2023 16:00 - 6 minutes - 9.68 MBHighlights from the episode: - Why it's important to work in a range of different environments and sports over your career - Understanding your environment and how to develop strong relationships with your peers - A year-by-year breakdown leading up to the Olympics - Best conducive environment for athletes - How they do rehab in their Olympic team
#272 - Cameron Ferguson, Head of Performance at Gold Coast Titans
September 26, 2023 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBHighlights from the episode: - Tips to thrive under pressure and how they apply to both sports and everyday life - His favorite coaching tips and resources - Mindset technique that empowers athletes to stay focused and composed - His advice for coaches leading a high-performance department - How he educates athletes to have a high-performance mindset
#96 - Community Football Fitness Off Season Tips with Coach Jack McLean
September 24, 2023 16:00 - 15 minutes - 21.9 MBHighlights from the episode: - Do at least 2 weeks of unstructured training - Start light training after 2 weeks - In 6-8 weeks, increase the frequency of runs and weight sessions - 4 weeks before pre-season, focus on a 2k time trial - Set goals for strength & conditioning and football
#271 - Sarah Perkins, AFLW Player at Hawthorn Football Club
September 21, 2023 16:00 - 5 minutes - 7.32 MBHighlights from the episode: - How Sarah got drafted and how her footy career started - How does she stay motivated and get better - How does her VFL schedule and workload look like - Sarah explains off-feet conditioning and when is it used - Her recovery routine after a game
#270 - Blair Mills, Performance Director at Toshiba Brave Lupus, Tokyo, Japan
September 19, 2023 14:19 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBHighlights from the episode: - Key pillars to create a high-performance environment - Key areas team field sport athletes should focus on - How to propel athletes to push their physical boundaries and achieve extraordinary feats - Significance of tailoring training regimes to individual athletes' strengths, weaknesses, and goals - Effective recovery strategies that enable athletes to bounce back stronger and minimize the risk of injuries
#95 - Kid Friendly Strength Top Tips for Youth Weight Training
September 17, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBHighlights from the episode: - What age should kids start lifting weight - How should training change for ages 13 to 16 - Key tips if your child is ready to start weight training - Lifting guidelines for ages 13 to 16 - Myths in strength training - Benefit of plyometrics
#269 - Alex Clarke, Athletic Performance Coach at Wests Tigers
September 14, 2023 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MBHighlights from the episode: - How Alex started his strength and conditioning career - How his rehab work looks like at Brisbane Lions - Alex shares his footy finals experience at Hawthorn Brisbane - His advice for fellow S&C coaches - Alex shares how he started Jewel Performance - Things to focus on for developing rugby or footy athletes
#268 - Claudio Altieri, Head of Performance at Loudoun United FC
September 12, 2023 16:00 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBHighlights from the episode: - Tips and advice for coaches looking to work around the world - The key differences of managing a club pro team compared to a national team - The importance of training camps at an international level - Effective strategies when using tactical periodization - Common mistakes of coaches at the international level
#94 - Crafting Your Professional Brand A Blueprint for Success
September 10, 2023 15:14 - 15 minutes - 21 MBHighlights from the episode: - Developing strong relationships - Create a LinkedIn Profile - Network strategies - Interview Techniques - Online presence
#267 - John Pryor, Performance Specialist at Rugby Australia
September 07, 2023 16:00 - 6 minutes - 9.36 MBHighlights 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
#266 - Ryan Timmins, Senior Lecturer at ACU Brisbane
September 05, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBHighlights from the episode: - Favorite exercises for mitigating hamstring injuries - Ryan’s favorite hamstring exercises for improving hamstring fascicle length and eccentric strength - The importance of AFL athlete’s sprinting regularly - Trends he has seen of athletes that have a bad run and how to prevent it - Tips and advice for coaches looking to develop a research-based hamstring program
#93 - 50 Proven Techniques to Make Your AFL Draft Dreams a Reality
September 03, 2023 19:19 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MBHighlights from the episode: - Skills - Conditioning - Professionalism/Preparations - Elite performance mindset - Elite lifestyle - Leadership - Combine trials or testing - Life outside of football - Strength and Power
#265 - Cooper Murley, Medium Forward at Collingwood Football Club
August 31, 2023 19:47 - 6 minutes - 8.49 MBHighlights from the episode: - How he managed the motivational slumps of training by himself during the COVID-19 2020 season - What does his typical training look like and how he manage his workload in the season - How did he make sure he still developed his running speed & endurance while gaining weight - What he had to change to put on 6 kilos of muscle in the offseason - His mental preparation during game week to get his mindset right
#264 - Frans Bosch, Founder of Frans Bosch Systems
August 29, 2023 15:50 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBHighlights from the episode: - Importance of training coordination over isolated strength - Negative effects of traditional strength and power training that outweigh its benefits - Why traditional strength training influences peripheral motor control - Attractors and fluctuations in AFL movements - Why ACL is prevalent in AFL, soccer, NFL
#92 - AFL Strength & Power Program
August 27, 2023 18:59 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBHighlights from the episode: - Developing general athleticism - Developing robust and resilient athletes - Periodization 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 your really enjoying the show, please leave us a review
#263 - Tim Schmidt, Founder / Head Coach of Kicking Dynamics
August 24, 2023 20:00 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBHighlights from the episode: - How to hone your kicking skills - Program for kids/players with a coordination disorder - Using games approach for teaching kids kicking fundamentals - Advice to player rejoining AFL or an academy who has improved his muscle mass and skills - How to get power without wheeling around to the side
#262 - John Mitchell, Strength & Conditioning Performance Consultant at MFJ Performance
August 22, 2023 21:44 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBHighlights from the episode: - Tips and advice for coaches looking to work with a mentor - Certificates and conferences he recommends for networking - How to simplify your feedback process - How to bring energy to your coaching sessions - The importance of being clear on your coaching philosophy
#91 - Hamstring Resilience Navigating Safe Rehabilitation
August 20, 2023 18:28 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBHighlights of the episode: - Get the diagnosis right - Loading your hamstring - Maintain as much football load as you can - Start progressing with your running speed - Start progressing with your intensity - Return to playing
#261 - Dean Filopoulos, Rehabilitation Manager at Collingwood Football Club
August 17, 2023 20:02 - 7 minutes - 9.9 MBHighlights of the episode: - Dean shares about getting his degree and how he started in VFL - How he supported himself after high school to go to uni 02:06 The importance of building connections and hands-on experience for S&C coaches 03:01 Things a developing S&C needs to stick long in the system and get a full-time role 04:02 How Dean plans his program for the next year/season 05:18 How to build trust with athletes undergoing rehab
#260 - Brentan Parsons, Strength & Power Coach at Gold Coast Titans
August 15, 2023 19:24 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBHighlights of the episode: - Key fundamentals of Strength & Power training that every athlete should be aware of - How he uses movement screens to individualize his strength and power programs - His advice for athletes when it comes to setting achievable goals in their Strength & Power training - How does he address the psychological aspect of training athletes to help them perform at their best - Top three pieces of advice for athletes who want to optimize their Strength & Power training
#90 - The Science Behind Effective Football Strength & Conditioning
August 13, 2023 19:21 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MBHighlights of the episode: - Have a supportive team around you - Be clear of your routine - Fundamentals of S&C in AFL - Maintaining enough workload - Periodizing training cycle for finals - Elite lifestyle
#259 - Shane Lehane, Athletic Performance Coach at Sydney Swans FC
August 10, 2023 19:13 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBHighlights of 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
#258 - Enda King, Head of High Performance and Development at Aspetar
August 08, 2023 19:24 - 39 minutes - 36.8 MBHighlights 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
#89 - How to work in the AFL as a strength & conditioning coach
August 06, 2023 19:21 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBHighlights from the episode: - Understand the roles - Develop your coaching skills - Social connection - Technology - Qualifications
#257 - Harry Sheezel, Medium Defender at North Melbourne
August 03, 2023 18:53 - 4 minutes - 6.99 MBHighlights from the episode: - Harry's fave recovery methods - The key areas Harry focuses on when playing as a speed forward - Why focusing on your strengths as a player is so critical - Why Harry values training smart and quality of training over volume - Tips for footballers to boost their confidence and the ability to reset during games
#256 - Greg Muller Managing Director at Lead the Pack
August 01, 2023 19:56 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBHighlights from the episode: - Common determinants from champions that contribute to athletic excellence - Effective ways to open up the mindset of athletes - Key principles to be an effective leader - How to develop resilient athletes - The significance of trusting your instinct
#88 - How to use Triphasic Strength Program for AFL
July 30, 2023 19:09 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MBHighlights from the episode: - What is Triphasic Strength Training - Eccentric phase - Isometric phase - Concentric phase - ACL Injury Mitigation blog post by Dean Benton
#255 - Jarrod Egan, Head of Athletic Performance at Sydney Grammar School
July 27, 2023 19:42 - 6 minutes - 9.17 MBHighlights from the episode: - What he would have done differently when he started his career - People who have influenced his career - Drills for running techniques - How he upskills himself - Important things when developing relationships with athletes - Using GPS metrics for injury prevention
#254 - Simon Thomas, Head of High-Performance at Western Force
July 25, 2023 19:31 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBHighlights from the episode: - Elements to create a high-performance environment and a culture of excellence - Effective Communication that drives high-performance - Importance of leadership in maintaining a high-performance environment - Strategies for managing setbacks, overcoming obstacles, and bouncing back stronger in the face of adversity - Practical tips to build awareness and foster personal growth
#87 - Enhance Your Performance AFL Post Game Recovery and Body Management
July 23, 2023 19:38 - 20 minutes - 28 MBHighlights from the episode: - Fuel and hydration strategy on game day - Relaxation strategies - Passive recovery - Active recovery - Cold water immersion - Sleep hygiene
#253 - Steve Allan, Sports Physio at West Coast Eagles FC
July 20, 2023 19:39 - 6 minutes - 9.04 MBHighlights 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 before deciding to include it in the training - Strategies when working with an athlete for the first time - How often he works out with the athlete when he does rehab work - His favorite tv series/movie as a physio - Upcoming Athletic Hip and Groin Workshop this December 4 - 5, 2021
#252 - Daniel Zaknich, Senior Physical Performance Coach at GWS Giants
July 18, 2023 19:39 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBHighlights from the episode: - Big rocks when preparing athletes to perform at a high level - Practical tips on strength training and recovery for young athletes - Deficiencies he notices in NAB athletes that prevent them from transitioning to AFL athletes - Future trends in intervention in AFL performance - How he gets coaches on board when he's starting on a new club
#86 - Injury mitigation and rehabilitation protocols for AFL athletes
July 16, 2023 19:36 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBHighlights of the episode: - Efficient and quality movement patterns - Reactive strength and elasticity - Staying curious and having a growth mindset - Consistent routine
#251 - Nathan Parnham, Head of Performance Development at Brisbane Grammar School
July 13, 2023 19:14 - 5 minutes - 8.09 MBHighlights from the Interview: - How he started working with Darren Burgess and gained experience - Mentors who have helped him along the way - Why he decided to be an author and the challenge of writing his book The Sporting Parent - 3 common questions that parents ask him which he answered in his book - Brisbane Grammar School's sports program and what sets it apart from other schools
#250 - Jacob Jennings, Head of Sport Science at Brisbane Broncos
July 11, 2023 20:16 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBHighlights from the Interview: - Difference in demand of NAB league and AFL players - Finding of his research on what makes athletes get drafted - How he uses GPS data to analyze athlete performance - Key metrics he uses in footy and rugby - Tools and tech he recommends for aspiring sports scientist
#85 - AFL Running Program
July 09, 2023 21:13 - 29 minutes - 41 MBHighlights from the episode: - Build your base - Football Fitness - Technical proficiency - Microdose your speed and agility work