Luke is currently a strength & conditioning coach at Richmond Tigers Football Club. Prior to his role at the Tigers, he has worked at Western Bulldogs and Geelong FC.
Highlights from the episode:
- How he met Loris Bertolacci
- How to get the most of your internship
- People who influenced his career
- How his philosophy change on how a footballer should prepare for a game
- His life motto
People Mentioned:
- Loris BertolacciÂ
- Dan Bailey
- Chris Dennis
- Bill Daverin
- Peter Burge
- Jason Weber
- Damian Hardwick
- Bill Daverin
Introduction
In the world of professional sports, success often comes from a combination of talent, hard work, and seizing unexpected opportunities. Luke Meehan, the Physical Performance Manager at the Richmond Football Club, understands this all too well. His career took a serendipitous turn when he crossed paths with Loris during a chance encounter in Brisbane. In this blog post, we delve into Meehan’s remarkable journey, his approach to success, and the influences that have shaped his career.
Seizing Opportunities and Doing the Little Things
Luke Meehan firmly believes that taking initiative and doing the little things can make a world of difference when starting a new role or internship. His career trajectory was profoundly impacted by a fortuitous meeting with Loris during a visit to Brisbane. Loris, an experienced sports performance professional, recognized Meehan’s potential and offered him an opportunity to work alongside him.
Meehan embraced this chance with fervor, making it a point to excel in every task, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Whether it was cleaning equipment, organizing training schedules, or observing athletes during practice, Meehan went above and beyond, leaving no stone unturned. This level of commitment and attention to detail did not go unnoticed, and it laid the foundation for his future success.
Acknowledging Influences and Shifting Perspectives
Throughout his career, Luke Meehan has been fortunate to learn from and be influenced by exceptional high-performance managers. He attributes much of his growth to mentors like Chris Dennis and Lawrence, who have shaped his understanding of sports performance and player development. Their guidance and expertise helped Meehan broaden his perspective and evolve as a professional.
One significant shift in Meehan’s philosophy was moving away from a singular focus on strength and power. While these elements remain vital in Australian Rules Football (AFL), Meehan realized the importance of injury prevention and overall fitness. By adopting a holistic approach to training, he aimed to enhance player performance, reduce the risk of injuries, and extend athletes’ longevity in the demanding AFL landscape.
Thinking Big and Staying Resilient
A key aspect of Luke Meehan’s success has been his ability to think big and maintain resilience. He firmly believes in aiming for the moon and not being too hard on oneself if falling short. This approach allows room for growth, creativity, and ultimately, breakthroughs.
Meehan shares his favorite inspirational quote: “Aim for the moon, and if you miss, you’ll reach the stars.” This maxim encapsulates his philosophy of setting ambitious goals while understanding that even if one falls short, significant achievements can still be made. It encourages individuals to embrace failures as stepping stones to success and not let setbacks define their journey.
Throughout his career, Meehan has faced challenges and setbacks. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that setbacks are temporary and serve as opportunities for growth. He encourages aspiring sports performance professionals to stay resilient, persevere in the face of adversity, and maintain a positive mindset.
Conclusion
Luke Meehan’s journey to becoming the Physical Performance Manager at the Richmond Football Club is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, taking initiative, and thinking big. By embracing every task, no matter how small, and learning from influential mentors, Meehan has grown into a well-rounded professional with a holistic approach to sports performance. His emphasis on injury prevention and overall fitness showcases a commitment to the well-being and long-term success of AFL players.
Meehan’s favorite inspirational quote serves as a reminder that ambitious goals, coupled with resilience, can lead to remarkable achievements. Aspiring sports performance professionals
