Welcome to our detailed blog post offering an inside look into the lives of AFL players. This post explores the rigorous training routines, lifestyle choices, and career paths of professional Australian Rules Football athletes. Learn how AFL players prepare for matches, maintain peak physical condition, and balance their professional and personal lives. Discover the challenges they face, the strategies they use to overcome them, and the dedication required to succeed at the highest level of the sport. Whether you’re an aspiring player, a dedicated fan, or simply curious about the world of professional AFL, this post provides an engaging and informative glimpse into what it takes to be an elite athlete in this dynamic sport.

What You Really Need to Know as a Strength Conditioning Coach 1CategoriesAFL Players Elite Lifestyle Footy Tips

Does player wellness affect AFL individual match day performance?

 

Aim and hypothesis

The aim of my research is to investigate whether players’ self-reported wellness metrics such as Sleep quality, Mood, Muscle soreness, and Body fatigue have a correlation with individual AFL game day performance.

 

Game day performance will be measured by coaches and player self-rating of 1 – 5 1 being a poor gamed and 5 excellent and champion data.

 

Wellness is critical for an athlete’s recovery between games and physical preparedness for performance in the upcoming game. (5)

 

There is research (2) on the impacts of wellness leading up to the game on running performance however no wellness data collected from AFL players on gameday.

 

My hypothesis would be that certain metrics would have a stronger influence on certain players than others. There may be a strong correlation between certain metrics that influence other wellness scores for example mood and body fatigue maybe closely link to quality of sleep.

 

Players are more likely to buy into something that they believe will help their game day performance.

Using this data will be helpful for support staff such as medical and high performance to provide AFL athletes with relevant wellbeing metrics and game day performance.

Staff informing players of this research can encourage athletes to discover or continue effective practices like sleep hygiene and mindfulness to improve their quality of mood and sleep.

 

Study design and participants

This study will be a primary prospective cohort study with mixed methods of quantitative & qualitative data. Realistically the study would be conducted at one AFL club over two seasons and due to small cohort having a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach would be appropriate to assist in applying and understanding the findings.

 

The source of this study will be AFL players playing from the Melbourne Football Club. The whole team over 22 rounds and finals would be required in this study which is up to 40 – 60 AFL players depending on how many listed players play over 2 seasons.

 

Measures and variables

From a quantitative approach using a number scale of 1 – 5 asking each player to rate the respective wellness question.

And from a qualitative point of view asking the athletes pregame “how satisfied they are with their weekly preparation regarding sleep, stress and how their body feels”.

 

Data collection will be gathered pre-game where each player included in the study will answer the following questionnaire:

Key wellness metrics:

rate (1 – 5) 1 = poor 5 = great

Sleep quality: players are educated to factor in, how many times they woke up during the night, how long it took them to get to sleep and the duration.

Mood players are educated to factor in if they feel flat, irritable, or overwhelmed or relaxed and content

Muscle soreness players are educated to factor in how sore their muscles feel barely being able to walk being 1 and 5 feel normal

Body fatigue players are educated to factor in their motivation and energy levels. Are they feeling fresh or drained?

 

Rating performance will be a mix of subjective and objective data 3 separate rows to help with analysis:

Row 1 Player rating from 1 – 5,

Row 2 Coaches rating from 1 – 5

Row 3 Champion data total score from the game.

 

After the first 4 games z scores can be calculated for each wellness metric to help determine the effect of individual fluctuations within each wellness rating.

 

To calculate a z score you simply create the following excel function: weekly rating (4) – minus the four-week average (3) divided by a rolling 4-week deviation of recent 4-week (0.8) z = 4 – 3 /0.8 = 1.02 in percentage %102.

 

Performance will be determined by looking at each player’s total

AFL player rating score using the Champion data algorithm in addition The Melbourne football coaches will rate performance for each player from 1-5. (1 – 5 1 = poor 5 = great)

 

Data collection protocol

On player arrival for each home and away game players will fill out a questionnaire displayed below table A via a wellness app like edge 10. Athletes would also be followed up by staff post-game during if they rated below 2 to further investigate the context behind the poor rating. We can then export the data from edge 10 to an excel pivot table which can help us collate the data and make it easier to analyse the player’s wellness data when looking for correlations and trends in performance.

 

Table A

 

From there champion data player rating and coaches’ votes are collected and collated and z scores are calculated for analysis.

At the end of the 2 years of study closely going through the data and looking for trends in the data such as high z scores of sleep result in a high probability in in consistent performances on game day. Applying the findings to back up the hypothesis or challenge it. The key part of this research will also be making sense of the qualitative comments made by the players that rated below 3 for any wellness metric. This may come in handy for staff to help finding solutions for the players.

Data analysis

The issue this research is trying to solve is how much subjective markers influence game day performance and therefore what are the key ones to focus on from a development point of view.

How do we analysis the data? Interpreting the data to help determine answer questions such as:

What is the relationship between wellness metrics and high performance?

What might be the key causes from a preparation point of view for high performance in AFL football?

Does one factor have a significant affect or is a mix of all metrics that need to be taken into context.

Strength & conditioning coaches in the AFL recognize the importance of wellness as research shows most teams have some form of wellness data collection for load monitoring. Why not add it in as a performance measure as well?

Perhaps we find some info that challenges assumptions like body fatigue and muscle soreness increases match day performance.

Ethical considerations

Limitations of this study would be getting every team on board and even if we could get every team on board for the 2-year study gathering the data in a timely manner would be another issue, as some if not most clubs would want to keep the data to themselves.

From an ethical point of view the club may have a clause on when the data can be released as this is a prospective study over a few years hopefully this wouldn’t delay the publish doubt.

The high turnover rate of Australian Rules Football playing lists will be an issue as we won’t have the same playing list every week and the list will change slightly each year.

Another limitation and potentially why no team has researched game day data on record is due to the players not wanting to be interrupted from their game day routine, potentially some players may refuse to be involved in this study further reducing the cohort size.

Further exclusion considerations if someone is struggling with a mental health issue than the wellness data will likely be compromised and therefore the player would need to be e removed from the study and any player coming back from a long-term injury for example players that have been out of the game for a year will also have different experiences to the playing group as they adjust back to the game.

Anticipated outcomes

Anticipated outcomes I think individual variance will be high amongst this small cohort some may report poor wellness and perform highly others may report great wellness and perform well.

Other factors other than wellness will influence therefore these outliers will no doubt pop up through the study.

Hoping we can find some clear findings such as how important consistent rating scores are and therefore low z score fluctuations for the playing squad. Suggesting how important players’ routines are.

Looking at how factors such as away games, the shorter time between games, and wins or losses affect the data. I would suspect finals and or big games may have a gap between experienced players’ wellness reporting and new players.

References

  1. Gallo TF, Cormack SJ, Gabbett TJ, Lorenzen CH. Pre-training perceived wellness impacts training output in Australian football players. Journal of Sports Sciences [Internet]. 2016 Aug [cited 2022 Jun 3];34(15):1445–51. Available from: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=s3h&AN=115584834&site=eds-live&scope=site
  2. Ryan S, Crowcroft S, Kempton T, Coutts AJ. Associations between refined athlete monitoring measures and individual match performance in professional Australian football. Science & Medicine in Football [Internet]. 2021 Aug [cited 2022 May 24];5(3):216–24. Available from: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=s3h&AN=151190664&site=eds-live&scope=site
  3. Lathlean TJH, Gastin PB, Newstead SV, Finch CF. A Prospective Cohort Study of Load and Wellness (Sleep, Fatigue, Soreness, Stress, and Mood) in Elite Junior Australian Football Players. International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance [Internet]. 2019 Jul [cited 2022 May 24];14(6):839–40. Available from: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=137415757&site=eds-live&scope=site
  4. Gallo TF, Cormack SJ, Gabbett TJ, Lorenzen CH. Self-Reported Wellness Profiles of Professional Australian Football Players During the Competition Phase of the Season. Journal of strength and conditioning research [Internet]. 2017 Feb [cited 2022 May 24];31(2):495–502. Available from: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mdc&AN=27243912&site=eds-live&scope=site

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PLP Livechats Cover YouTube ThumbnailCategoriesAFL Players Elite Lifestyle Footy Program Footy Tips Podcast

Is Jaspa Fletcher the Next Big Thing?

There’s no doubt that Jaspa Fletcher is one of the most promising young Australian rules football players in this year’s draft. The 18-year-old has a natural talent for the sport and is looking to take the next step in his career with the 2022 AFL Draft looming on the horizon.

Showing that the apple certainly did not fall far from the tree, Fletcher is a second-generation player, being the son of Adrian Fletcher, who played 231 games for the likes of Brisbane, Geelong, Fremantle, and St Kilda. The young balanced midfielder showed off his skills in the recent NAB AFL Under-18 Championships where his Allies team finished with a 1-3 record during the carnival.

Fletcher was particularly spectacular in the Allies’ win over Western Australia at the Thebarton Oval. Showing his readiness for the next level, the talented youngster racked up 26 disposals, four tackles, and six clearances in a best-on-ground performance. He also showed uncanny leadership qualities, often being one of the first to put his hand up for a smother.

While he may not be the biggest player on the ground, Fletcher’s athleticism and determination more than make up for it. He has an impressive vertical jump and is extremely quick over short distances. His speed and agility make him hard to contain when he’s on the attack and he’s also very good at finding space in congestion.

Fletcher is set to be one of the most sought-after players in this year’s draft and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Experts peg Fletcher to be in the 20-25 range when it comes to the final order of the draft, but with his impressive skillset and bloodline, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him snapped up sooner than that. Off the field, Fletcher has a cool demeanor and is very popular amongst his teammates, who he considers to be like family. 

“In my eyes, the best thing about the game of football is developing those close relationships with your teammates which creates that fun element of footy but also pushes you to become better. Always a great feeling running out and playing for them on gameday,” said Fletcher.

The pandemic was a crucial period for Fletcher as he took the time to stay active and work on his game. He says the documentary “The Last Dance” resonated with him and Michael Jordan’s commitment to becoming the best served as inspiration.

“I don’t have a movie off the top of my head, but the last dance with Michael Jordan had a big impact on me – especially through the quarantine period this movie was very impactful because it showed me how much time and effort goes into mastering the skills in the sport. With it being lockdown also, it inspired me to keep working hard at training so when games were to resume I knew I was ready. This period was key in my development pathway,” added Fletcher.

When he’s not training or playing, Fletcher enjoys spending time with his family and friends, as well as playing golf. He also enjoys heading over to Gippsland to visit his grandparents and enjoy the water.

“Being from Victoria, my favourite destination would have to be Lakes Entrance in Gippsland. My grandparents own a beach house down there so every Christmas my close family and I stay for about 3 weeks. The weather is always great for boating and plenty of space to use the jet-ski.”

Fletcher’s focus is firmly on making the AFL, but he says he’ll continue to enjoy his life away from the game regardless of what happens.

“I’ll just keep living life to the fullest, taking each day as it comes and see(ing) what happens. If I don’t end up playing AFL then that’s fine, I know I gave it everything I had.”

There’s no doubt that Jaspa Fletcher has what it takes to be a star at the AFL level and he will no doubt be one of the most exciting players to watch in the years to come. If he can continue to develop his game and reach his potential, there’s no reason why he can’t be one of the best players in the league. Only time will tell if Jaspa Fletcher is the next big thing, but he’s certainly off to a good start.

If you’re an AFL player who wants to take your game to the next level, be sure to check out Prepare Like A Pro. You can find more information on our services page via our website or follow us on social media.

 

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Optimize Athlete Recovery PerformanceCategoriesAFL Players Podcast

Episode 153 – Harry Sheezel

In the competitive world of Australian Rules Football, every player understands the crucial role recovery plays in maintaining top-notch performance. Optimize Athlete Recovery Performance Harry Sheezel, a Medium Defender at North Melbourne knows this better than most. With years of experience under his belt, he has honed a set of recovery methods that have proven instrumental in keeping him at the peak of his game. Optimize Athlete Recovery Performance.

Harry is one of the most recognized upcoming AFL players in the 2022 draft. Not only an elite football player, he loves hanging out with his family and friends and playing golf.

  • Local Club: Ajax FC
  • Nab League Club: Sandringham Dragons
  • Team He Barracks for Hawthorn

Highlights of 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

Infrared Sauna: A Game-Changer

One of Sheezel’s go-to recovery tools is the infrared sauna, a practice he swears by for its transformative effects on his body. Multiple times a week, he steps into his own at-home sauna, letting the deep-penetrating heat work its magic. This powerful therapy aids in flushing out toxins, promoting blood circulation, and alleviating muscle soreness – all key components in a successful recovery routine.

Post-Game Massages: The Ultimate Reset

After the final whistle blows, Sheezel doesn’t waste any time in prioritizing his body’s recuperation. Post-game massages have become a non-negotiable in his regimen. This targeted therapy targets specific muscle groups, ensuring they receive the attention and care they need to bounce back quickly. It’s this level of commitment to recovery that enables Sheezel to hit the training ground with renewed vigor, week after week.

Agility, Decision-Making, and Gym Work

When asked about his remarkable agility and decision-making skills on the field, Sheezel attributes them to years of dedication and practice. These are talents that he began honing in his Junior career, recognizing their immense value in his role as a Medium Defender. Additionally, he emphasizes the impact of gym work, with a special focus on agility and power training. This comprehensive approach has fortified his performance and made him a standout player in the league.

Playing to Strengths: A Lesson from the Dragons

Joining the Dragons taught Sheezel a crucial lesson: the power of playing to one’s strengths. Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, he discovered that exceptional strengths are what set players apart from the rest of the cohort. This revelation has informed his approach to training and has undoubtedly been a contributing factor to his success on the field.

The Smart Training Philosophy

Sheezel’s journey has not been without its challenges, one of the most significant being stress fractures. In overcoming this obstacle, he learned the importance of training with intelligence. Quality triumphs over quantity, and he advises against the temptation of multiple sessions a day. Instead, he advocates for meticulous planning, adequate recovery time, and supplementary activities like Pilates to maintain strength and consistency.

In conclusion, Harry Sheezel’s approach to athlete recovery is a masterclass in balance and strategy. His reliance on the infrared sauna, targeted massages, and intelligent training methods provides a blueprint for athletes looking to elevate their performance and extend their careers. By focusing on strengths and prioritizing quality over quantity, Sheezel’s methods have not only propelled him to success but also served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.

People mentioned:

  • David Buttifant 
  • Jackson Kornberg
  • Lance Franklin
  • David Francis
  • Jack Scrimshaw

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Listen: iTunes | Spotify

AFL endurance training tipsCategoriesAFL Players Podcast

Episode 149 – Dylan Moore

When it comes to excelling in the fast-paced world of Australian Rules Football (AFL), endurance is key. AFL players need to cover vast distances on the field, making stamina a critical component of their success. In this guide, we’ll explore essential AFL endurance training tips that can take your game to the next level. From targeted workouts to strategic recovery, we’ll delve into proven techniques that can help you go the distance on the field. Whether you’re a budding athlete or a seasoned player looking to enhance your performance, these strategies will equip you with the physical and mental fortitude needed to dominate the game. Read on to discover how you can build the endurance necessary for AFL success. AFl endurance training tips are crucial for anyone serious about excelling in this demanding sport. So let’s dive deeper into the specific strategies that can make a difference in your performance.

Highlights of the episode:

  • How athletics training helped him during his footy draft year
  • The type of athletics training he did
  • Things he focuses on during the off-season
  • What does his rotation look like as a wing/forward on game day for the Hawks
  • His pre-game routine and music that pumps him up

The Significance of Endurance in AFL

In the high-intensity world of AFL, endurance isn’t just an advantage – it’s a game-changer. Players must be able to sprint, change direction, and maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the match. This section will delve into why endurance is a critical component for AFL success, highlighting the specific demands of the sport and how endurance training can directly impact player performance.

Tailored Workouts for AFL Endurance

AFL players require a unique set of skills, and their endurance training should reflect this. This section will provide a comprehensive overview of effective endurance training drills tailored specifically for AFL athletes. From interval runs to agility exercises, each drill will be explained in detail, allowing players to incorporate them into their training regimen. By focusing on sport-specific workouts, players can maximize their endurance gains and directly apply them to the demands of the game.

Continue to develop the content with additional headings and subheadings. Make sure to incorporate the key phrase naturally into the content to improve SEO. Once the content is complete, ensure that the meta description includes the key phrase as requested.

To join our Footballer waitlist, fill out the link below:

Listen: iTunes | Spotify

AFL Training Drills SuccessCategoriesAFL Players Podcast

Episode 143 – Brett Deledio Bite Size

If you’re aiming for success in AFL, mastering the right training drills is crucial. AFL Training Drills Success can make all the difference in your performance on the field. These drills are carefully designed to enhance your skills, agility, and overall game strategy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the essential tips and techniques to help you excel in AFL training drills.

Highlights of the episode:

  • Tips from going to VFL to AFL
  • His best 2k time trial he ever ran
  • How to get picked up in an AFL club
  • His schedule for lower and upper body training
  • How he got to player management

1. Understanding the Importance of AFL Training Drills

A solid foundation in AFL training drills is the cornerstone of a successful career in Australian Rules Football. These drills target specific aspects of the game, from ball handling to positioning, ensuring players are well-rounded and adaptable on the field.

2. Tailoring Drills to Your Position and Role

Each player on the AFL field has a unique role and position, requiring specific skills and abilities. Tailoring your training drills to match your position will help you develop the attributes necessary to excel in that role.

3. Incorporating Strength and Conditioning

Strength and conditioning form the backbone of any elite athlete’s training routine. AFL players need to be robust, agile, and enduring to meet the demands of the game. Discover how to integrate strength and conditioning exercises seamlessly into your training regime.

4. Maximizing Skill Development

AFL Training Drills Success hinges on refining your skills to a razor-sharp edge. Whether it’s accurate kicking, precise hand-passing, or adept marking, this section provides targeted drills to enhance your proficiency.

5. Simulating Game Scenarios

AFL games are fast-paced, dynamic, and often unpredictable. To thrive in this environment, training drills must mirror real-game scenarios. Learn how to incorporate drills that simulate match conditions, ensuring you’re prepared for anything on the field.

6. Balancing Individual and Team Drills

While individual drills focus on personal skill development, team drills foster cohesion, communication, and synergy among players. Striking the right balance between these two types of drills is essential for overall team success.

7. Monitoring Progress and Setting Goals

Tracking your progress is key to AFL Training Drills Success. Set measurable goals and regularly evaluate your performance to identify areas for improvement. This section provides guidance on effective goal-setting and progress-tracking strategies.

8. Seeking Expert Guidance and Coaching

In the quest for AFL Training Drills Success, seeking guidance from experienced coaches and mentors can be a game-changer. Learn how to leverage the expertise of seasoned professionals to fine-tune your training regime.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Game with AFL Training Drills Success

Mastering AFL training drills is a journey that requires dedication, precision, and a comprehensive understanding of the game. By incorporating these essential tips into your training routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success on the AFL field. Elevate your game, refine your skills, and seize every opportunity for victory with these expert-backed strategies.

Elevate your game with effective AFL training drills. Discover key tips for success in mastering essential drills for a competitive edge.

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Playertek GPS reviewCategoriesAFL Players Elite Lifestyle Footy Program Footy Tips Get Better Plan High Performance Strength & Conditioning Coaches Tips

Platform Review: Playertek GPS

Today, we’re going to be taking a look at the Playertek GPS football tracking system. This is a platform that allows you to track your performance on the football field, as well as monitor your team’s progress in real-time. We’ll be looking at how the system works, its features, and how it can benefit players and coaches alike. So, if you’re interested in learning more about this innovative new product, read on!

What is Playertek GPS?

Playertek is a wearable GPS tracker that monitors your on-field performance and provides real-time data and analysis (Boothype, n.d.). The device attaches to your jersey and has a small display that shows your maximum speed, distance covered, number of hard efforts, and other statistics like work rate. 

Playertek also has a companion app that provides more detailed information about your performance, including live data to monitor your training load as it happens.  The app also allows you to set training goals and track your progress over time. Whether you’re a professional player looking to gain an edge on the competition, a casual player who just wants to improve your game, or a strength & conditioning coach sports scientist looking to monitor your team’s progress, Playertek is a valuable tool.

Proof of the platform’s effectiveness is its popularity among all the AFL clubs. There are a few top-tier teams that have adopted Playertek GPS as part of their training regime. It is also widely used in the English Premier League and the United States by college, high school, and even professional teams in the National Basketball Association, National Football League, and Major League Baseball.

Playertek has proven to be a crucial tool for AFL and AFLW strength & conditioning coaching staff, allowing them to monitor player fatigue, recovery, and form. It has also been used by coaches to help plan training drills specific to the way they want the team to play and track player progress. On the other hand, strength & conditioning coaches have used Playertek to monitor athletes’ progress and ensure they are meeting their training goals.

In short, there is a lot that Playertek GPS can do for players and coaches at all levels of the game. If you’re looking to take your performance to the next level or simply want to get a better understanding of your game to better prepare yourself during the pre-season.

 

 

How Does Playertek Work?

 

 

The device uses a combination of GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking to monitor your movement on the field (Playertek, n.d.). It then sends this data to the companion app via Bluetooth, which is processed and displayed in an easy-to-understand format.

One of the key features of Playertek is its ability to track player load. The system uses a proprietary algorithm to monitor players’ movements and calculate their level of load. This information is then displayed in the app, so coaches can decide when to substitute players, or adjust training programs accordingly.

Playertek is also able to provide detailed heat maps of players’ routes, as well as heart rate data. This information can be used to identify areas where players are struggling or pinpoint areas of the field where they are most effective.

Other metrics that Playertek can measure and monitor are:

  • Activity Chart (speed every 0.1 seconds)
  • 5-minute breakdown (all metrics –great for reviewing performance within a game)
  • Season workload chart (view a player’s full season)
  • Player head-to-head comparison (same or another player, different periods or sessions, metrics, and heat maps)
  • Session Workload metrics – numbers and radar chart
  • Session Intensity metrics – numbers and radar chart
  • Daily Team charts –all selected players, all metrics in bar charts, and single-click PDF reports.
  • Monthly Team charts –all selected players, all metrics in bar charts, and single-click PDF reports
  • Field Coverage (Heat Maps)
  • Milestones and achievements (Maths, n.d.)

What are the Benefits of Having Playertek?

There are many benefits that come with having Playertek GPS. First, it provides coaches with valuable information about their players’ performance. This data can be used to decide on training programs, substitutions, and game strategies.

Additionally, Playertek is an excellent tool for player development. The platform can be used to track progress and identify areas of improvement. This information is valuable for coaches and players, as it can help tailor training programs and focus on specific areas.

Playertek is also a valuable tool for monitoring player fatigue. The system’s ability to track player movements and calculate work rate levels is an important tool for preventing injuries. By knowing when players are starting to feel fatigued, coaches can make decisions about when to substitute them or adjust training programs.

Finally, Playertek GPS is a great way to improve team communication. The platform’s ability to provide detailed heat maps and player routes is an invaluable tool for identifying areas of the field where players are struggling or finding success. This information can be used to make adjustments to game plans and strategies.

The Bottom Line

Playertek GPS is a powerful platform that can be used by coaches and players at all levels to improve performance. The system’s ability to track player movements, calculate work rate levels, and provide detailed heat maps is an invaluable tool for player development and game strategy. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, Playertek is definitely worth considering.

Another way you can take your game to the next level is through Prepare Like A Pro. Whether you need personal attention or online training, Prepare Like A Pro can help Aussie Rule Football players prepare just like the pros do. Whether it’s through Melbourne strength training, online AFL coaching, or one-on-one sessions, we can help you take your game to the next level. Contact us today to learn more! 

Works Cited

Boothype. (n.d.). Retrieved from Playertek Review: Track and analyse yourself for greater performance

Playertek. (n.d.). Retrieved from Frequently Asked Questions 

Maths, W. U. (n.d.). Retrieved from PlayerTek: Sport Analytics

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Harry SheezelCategoriesAFL Players Elite Lifestyle Footy Program Footy Tips

2022 top 10 draft prospect Harry Sheezel | Prepare Like a Pro

Considered to be one of the more naturally-talented footballers in the 2022 AFL draft, Harry Sheezel is a name that will be well-known to most footy fans by the end of the season. The 18-year-old from Melbourne has already shown he has what it takes to compete at the top level, having been named in the 2022 NAB AFL Academy – Australia U18 Team that took on Collingwood’s VFL team last month.

 

Sheezel is a powerful and athletic midfielder who is capable of playing both inside and outside. He has good speed and agility and is known for his hard work and determination. Sheezel is also a very good kick, which will no doubt be a valuable asset at the next level.

Sheezel is expected to be one of the first players—a surefire 10 draft pick—taken in the 2022 AFL draft, and he will no doubt be a big part of whatever team he ends up playing for. It will be exciting to see what he can do at the highest level, and footy fans should keep an eye on this young star in the making.

He is a full-time member of the Sandringham Dragons, and has made the most of his opportunity this season. Sheezel has set his claim as a rotating midfielder and has significant upside as a player who can win matches with his own boot after scoring 14 goals in six games, including bags of four and six goals.

Sheezel’s goal-kicking ability is well-known at this point, as seen by the aforementioned NAB League statistics. The deft medium type was also a standout in his lone Vic Metro appearance against the Young Guns, where he was thrust into the AFL Academy’s midfield late in the game on a day when his team’s forwards struggled. If his 28 disposals and six goals against Tasmania were a breakthrough game, his 37 touches against Northern in Round 9 served as the ideal audition for a permanent midfielder spot.

An Inspiration to the Jewish Community

Sheezel was only 16 when he experienced playing at the senior level, suiting up for his club Ajax in Victoria’s amateurs’ tournament last year. He earned the right, having emerged from the juniors program as the clear-cut best and brightest. During his debut, he kicked four goals from full-forward against Fitzroy at Brunswick Street Oval, including one goal that he described as “pretty good”.

“I had a bit of a day out,” Sheezel said in an article on AFL.com.au. “Playing juniors with Ajax was massive my whole life and it was so much fun to play with people from the community in the senior side as well.”

It was also during that time when Sheezel began feeling an immense outpouring of support for his football journey from the Jewish community. It also helped a great deal that Ajax is based in Melbourne’s inner south-eastern suburbs and is the country’s only Jewish football club.

With Jewish representation in the AFL historically low, Sheezel figures to be a role model for aspiring Jewish footballers not just in Melbourne, but also around the country. He is an AFL player of the future that the community can rally behind and one that could potentially inspire the next generation of Jewish footballers. To date, only Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), Ezra Poyas (Richmond and Melbourne), and Julian Kirzner (Essendon, Carlton, and North Melbourne) have made it to the big stage of the AFL.

“There haven’t been as many Jewish footballers lately to make it into the AFL, so it’s kind of special to hopefully be the first one [drafted] in a while. Everyone has been so supportive and living it with me, in a sense,” Sheezel said.

“I hope to be pretty inspiring for younger kids as well because I feel like the Jewish community is really into the sport as well, they love their footy, so hopefully I can inspire a few more kids to hopefully go down the same path. 

 

 

“Along the way you see how much it means to people in the community. I never really thought of it until I’ve started to be in the media a little bit more and everyone is all over it now. It’s pretty cool. And at school it’s kind of new for them, they don’t really know how to act and neither do I so I just embrace it.”

Shezeel currently attends Mount Scopus—one of Australia’s foremost Jewish schools. It was there where he really got to learn more about his culture and faith, something that he is extremely proud of. Being at Mount Scopus has also given Sheezel the opportunity to focus on playing for the Dragons in the NAB League.

Sheezel has already shown that he is more than capable of shouldering the responsibility that comes with being a potential AFL footballer and an inspiration to the Jewish community. With his undeniable talent and character, there is no doubt that Harry Sheezel has what it takes to be a successful AFL player. All that’s left now is for him to take that next step and fulfill his dream.

“There’s still a long way to go and a lot of important games to be played. I don’t want to look too far ahead and just focus on each game and each month at a time, because the last two years have shown us that you just have to be present and do the best you can when you play because the next week and the future aren’t guaranteed,” Sheezel said.

“But I think about the draft every second. My life is oriented around it and footy. Everything I do I try to better myself to put myself in the best position I can.”

Sheezel is also one of the ambassadors of Prepare Like A Pro, an organization that helps young footballers with difficulties improve their athleticism, by teaching them sustainable lifestyle tips with a personalized program.

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How to Train Like an AFL Speed Forwarder DefenderCategoriesAFL Players Elite Lifestyle Footy Program Footy Tips

How to Train Like an AFL Speed Forwarder & Defender

An AFL speed forwarder and defender train by doing a variety of exercises that help them improve their speed and agility. One of the most important things for these players is to be able to change direction quickly. This allows them to get around opponents and make tackles which are key performance indicators for speed forwards and defenders. In this blog post, we will discuss how AFL speed forwards & defenders train and look at the exercises that these players do to improve their performance on the field.

What is an AFL Speed Forward?

An AFL speed forward is a player whose primary role on the field is to create space and get down the pitch quickly. This can be done through a variety of different techniques, from using quick cuts and changes of pace to making big, hard-cutting runs. Whatever their method, effective speed forwards are key players in any successful AFL team because they help to open up passing lanes and break down defensive formations.

Due to the demanding nature of their role, speed forwards requires tremendous levels of athleticism and endurance in order to perform at the highest level for an entire game or match. And because the speed forward position requires such a high degree of skill, many teams will seek out young players with a natural flair for moving quickly across the field and making snap decisions in order to cultivate them into top-level athletes. 

What is an AFL Speed Defender?

 

An AFL speed defender is a type of player who excels at intercepting and defusing the opposition’s forward thrusts. Typically, these players are top athletes with superior speed, agility, and coordination. They are experts at reading the play and positioning themselves to cut off offensive drives, catch passes, steal the ball, and disrupt offensive sets.

Because they have such an important role on the field, AFL speed defenders often work closely with their team’s coach to strategize about how to deal with different types of offensive attacks. At the highest levels of competition, AFL speed defenders have to be fast learners and highly adaptable in order to keep up with the ever-changing movements of their opponents. Whether it’s testing new defensive formations or refining their skillset through drills and training sessions, these players never stop working to become better at what they do.

How Do AFL Speed Forwarder & Defender Train?

So how do these players train? For starters, both speed forwards and defenders need to have a base level of fitness to perform at the highest level. This means that they need to be able to run long distances and sprint without tiring. What kind of AFL fitness training should these players be doing?

One of the most important things for speed forwards and defenders is to be able to change direction quickly. This can be done through a variety of different exercises, such as sprints, agility drills, and plyometric exercises. These exercises help to improve the player’s coordination and balance, which are essential for changing direction quickly on the field. 

Plyometric exercises are a type of exercise that helps to improve explosive power. These exercises are often used by athletes who need to generate a lot of force in a short period of time, such as sprinters and jumpers. Some examples of plyometric exercises include box jumps, medicine ball throws, and jump squats. These exercises help to improve the player’s ability to generate force quickly, which is essential for sprinting and making quick changes of direction. 

In addition to plyometric exercises, speed forwards and defenders also need to do a lot of sprint work. This helps them to develop the endurance and leg strength necessary for running long distances at high speeds. Sprinting also helps to improve the player’s coordination and balance. 

Speed forwards and defenders also need to have a strong upper body. This helps them to be able to shrug off tackles, maintain their balance when being pushed around, and generate more force when tackling or jumping. Upper body strength can be developed through a variety of different AFL strength & conditioning exercises, such as weightlifting, push-ups, and pull-ups. 

Finally, speed forwards and defenders need to have good mental toughness. This helps them to deal with the challenges of playing such a demanding position. They need to be able to maintain their focus for long periods of time and make quick decisions under pressure. Many players find that meditation and visualization techniques help them to develop the mental toughness necessary for success on the field.

By following a proper training regimen that impacts the necessary AFL fitness components, speed forwards and defenders can become some of the most dangerous players on the field. They possess a unique combination of speed, agility, strength, and mental toughness that allows them to take over games and make plays that other players simply cannot. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, then emulating the training regimen of an AFL speed forward or defender is a great place to start. 

Watch our presentation on how a developing speed forward and defender should train to maximise performance: 

Want to take your game to the next level? Then You Must Prepare Like a Pro

Contact us to get started on your journey to becoming an AFL speed forward and defender. Our expert coaches will help you every step of the way with tailored programs and drills that will improve your athleticism and confidence. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, we can help you take your game to the next level.

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Effective Leadership StrategiesCategoriesAFL Players Podcast

Episode 95 – Don Scott

Introduction: Pioneering Effective Leadership

In the dynamic landscape of modern leadership, success hinges on a critical element: credibility. Whether in the realms of football or business, Effective Leadership Strategies are those that command trust and respect. This trust is the cornerstone upon which lasting success is built. Don Scott, a celebrated 300-game player at Hawthorn Football Club, offers profound insights into the essence of leadership. Effective Leadership Strategies, when implemented adeptly, can transform teams and organizations, propelling them toward their goals with purpose and cohesion.

The 300 gamer for Hawthorn, 3-time premiership player 2 as captain, inducted into the AFL hall of fame, team of the century Hawthorn FC, and founder of the company operation Payback which was instrumental in preventing Melbourne & hawthorn from merging

  • What successful leaders in the team should possess
  • How he inspired footballers who looked up to him
  • How he condition his mental side before the game
  • Don’s challenges as a player
  • Highlights of his career
  • How he helped to prevent Hawthorn FC from merging with Melbourne FC in the ’90s

1. The Multifaceted Nature of Leadership

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It adapts to its environment, be it the boardroom or the football field. Scott underscores the need for versatile leadership styles tailored to specific situations. By understanding the nuances of each domain, leaders can wield their influence most effectively.

2. Lessons from History: Churchill’s Inspirational Leadership

The annals of history are replete with leaders who left an indelible mark. Winston Churchill, the stalwart Prime Minister of England during World War II, stands as a testament to the power of inspirational leadership. Scott draws parallels, recognizing Churchill’s ability to galvanize a nation in its darkest hour.

3. Leading by Example: The Don Scott Way

For Scott, actions speak louder than words. As a football player, he exemplified this ethos by dedicating himself to rigorous training and skill refinement. His approach emphasizes setting the standard through unwavering dedication, an approach that resonates in any leadership context.

4. The Crucible of Challenges: A Player’s Perspective

Scott’s journey was one of relentless determination. As a player, he faced challenges head-on, transcending limitations with unwavering resolve. He reframes adversity as an opportunity for growth, showcasing the mindset that underpins enduring success.

5. Collective Triumphs: The Team-centric Philosophy

In Scott’s view, success in football, much like in any collective endeavor, is a shared achievement. He eschews the notion of individual accolades, emphasizing the collective effort that propels a team forward. This ethos of unity and shared purpose is the bedrock of his leadership philosophy.

6. Preventing the Hawthorn-Melbourne Merger: A Campaign for Legacy

Scott’s pivotal role in preventing the merger of Hawthorn Football Club with Melbourne in the mid-90s showcases his commitment to preserving legacy. This campaign exemplifies his belief in preserving the unique identity and history of a team, even in the face of formidable challenges.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Leadership Potential

Don Scott’s journey through the realms of football and leadership offers invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders. By prioritizing credibility, adapting to diverse contexts, and leading through action, one can unlock the true potential of effective leadership. Embrace these strategies to inspire, motivate, and leave an indelible mark on any sphere.

Listen: iTunes | Spotify

Josh Fahey Prepare Like A Pros ambassadorsCategoriesAFL Players Elite Lifestyle Footy Program Footy Tips

PLP Ambassador, Josh Fahey, Became a Giant

Josh Fahey, a Canberra native, was listed by the GWS Giants in the AFL draft, putting him one step closer to playing in the AFL.

Fahey, a national ambassador for Prepare Like A Pro and a Giants Academy product, was selected with pick 42 after GWS matched a Bulldogs bid.

 

The 18-year-old is a medium defender/winger with a dazzling left foot who enjoys taking the game on with his mastery of pace and speed. Fahey has been in the Giants’ system since he was a kid, and getting selected up by them is a dream come true for him.  Before the draft, he met with Leon Cameron, who informed him that he was in the club’s plans, and he’s trained with the club in Sydney a few times over the last two years. He “liked every second of it,” as one might expect.

“It seems like home,” Fahey remarked, “and there’s no else I’d rather be than here.”

Fahey, a high talent from outside the AFL heartland, played for the AFL Academy against the Geelong VFL team in April, collecting the MCC President’s medal for best on the ground; played five games for the Giants’ VFL side; and, of course, wore the yellow and black for his Queanbeyan Tigers.  He appreciates everything the Tigers have done to assist him in making the AFL list after coming through the Tigers program.

“They’ve done a lot for me during my career and are probably the main reason I’m where I am now,” Fahey said.

Growing up in Canberra’s rugby league heartland and playing for Queanbeyan, Fahey’s path to the AFL big time was everything but smooth. After his father transferred to the Gold Coast for employment in January of last year, he took a three-month break and played two games for the Suns Academy. After that time, it was unclear if Fahey would still be considered a Giants Academy player for AFL draft purposes when he returned to Canberra.

Before he sealed his credentials with a best-on-ground effort in a losing cause for the AFL Academy against Geelong’s VFL club, league officials signed off on his eligibility.

Fahey is a high-achieving junior who embodies the progress junior football has made in the ten years since the Giants Academy was founded. Despite this, Fahey believes it is still more difficult to break into the AFL from Canberra than it is from the footy-heavy states south of the Barassi-line.

“You don’t get noticed as much,” he stated, “but some people don’t get the same opportunity as others in larger states, so it’s quite humbling to be able to receive this opportunity.”

“There’s a lot of strong talent going through the Academy in Canberra and the Riverina area, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw a lot more draftees come out of the area.”

And now that his number has been summoned, the sprightly rebounding defender should expect things to go swiftly.  His goal for pre-season is to put in a good chunk of work in preparation for his AFL debut next season.

“Hopefully next year I have the opportunity,” he said. “It would be fantastic to debut here in front of my local audience and family.”

Interested in training like Josh?

Check out our Online Training Program

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