In Episode 48 of the Prepare Like A Pro Podcast, I am speaking with Darren Burgess, the High-Performance Manager at Melbourne FC. Before Melbourne. Darren was the Director of Performance at Arsenal FC, High-Performance Manager at Port Adelaide Football Club, Head of Conditioning at Liverpool FC, and Head of Fitness at the Football Federation of Australia.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • Darren’s strength and conditioning journey from start to now.
  • His learnings from working in the English Premier League.
  • His role at Melbourne and how he manages AFL players to perform each week.
  • Why small-sided games are so effective in developing athletic qualities like agility & mobility.
  • Darren’s passion for high performance, physical preparation, and how he continues to learn and develop his craft.
  • The importance of having an individualized strength & conditioning program for working on an athlete’s strengths whilst managing past injuries.
  • What has worked and hasn’t throughout his career.
  • How he values technique and posture when it comes to running gym movements for young developing footballers.
  • His approach to preparing AFL footballers and how important lifestyle factors are like sleep, nutrition, and mindset.
  • In-season recovery tips and tricks.
  • Tips for developing footballers and staff wanting to reach the highest level, including the importance of skill development and building resilience.
  • Darren’s excitement for the Melbourne Football Club and 2021 and why he loves working for the club.

People mentioned:

  • John Marsden
  • Anthony Crea
  • Greg Matthews
  • Simon Casomolo
  • Tim Cahill
  • Lucas Neill
  • Gavin Wanganeen
  • Fernando Torres
  • Mesut Ozil
  • Lachie Williams
  • David Watts
  • Selwyn Griffith
  • David Regan
  • Brett Nicholsten
  • Daniel James
  • Rebeka Alcock
  • Peter Brukner

Listen: iTunes | IGTV | Spotify

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