#bitesize – Mukund Sivakumar: From Cricket to AFL – How He Landed a Pro Club Internship

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your foot in the door at a pro club especially without an AFL background this episode is for you. Mukund shares his story of how being upfront, flexible, and leaning on his cricket coaching experience helped him land an internship in elite sport. His journey is a powerful example of the Cricket to AFL Transition, showing how transferable skills can open unexpected doors. We unpack the key mindset shifts and actions that made his Cricket to AFL Transition successful.

We also chat about how career scorecards can give young coaches a clear path to follow, when to start reaching out to AFL clubs for roles, and some standout advice from mentors with both NBA and AFL experience. Plus, we get into how to cut through the noise when it comes to learning new coaching methods and focus on what’s actually useful in your own environment.

Mukund Sivakumar’s Journey from Cricket to AFL

Be honest about your background

Mukund didn’t hide the fact that he had no prior AFL experience. Instead, he leaned into his cricket to AFL transition, sharing his extensive coaching background and adaptability after moving countries. This honest, authentic approach caught attention and helped him stand out

Your unique story matters

Rather than trying to fit into the mold, Mukund used his diverse sporting background to spark interest. This landed him interviews with key staff like the head sports scientist and strength & conditioning coach at a professional AFL club.

Treat them like a roadmap

He found scorecards from high-performance professionals extremely helpful. These resources gave him clear, real-world goals that extended beyond basic certifications like outlining a path through multiple levels of coaching, rehab, and semi-pro environments.

It’s about long-term growth

Mukund emphasized that success doesn’t stop at finishing your bachelor’s degree and completing ASCA Level 1. Progression involves placements, networking, and ongoing learning, including a master’s degree and advanced certifications.

Be proactive and early

He recommends reaching out to clubs in August September, before AFL teams finish their seasons. Roles are typically posted around October November, right after end-of-season reviews. This timing gives you a better shot at landing a position.

Maximize your outreach strategy

Don’t wait for job ads email or message clubs on LinkedIn proactively. Introduce yourself, express interest, and start building relationships before the hiring window opens.

Use references for impact

Mukund suggests name-dropping mentors or colleagues who know staff at target clubs. A warm intro or a reference from someone inside the industry adds weight and builds trust.

Develop diverse skill sets

Early in your career, learn as much as possible across disciplines: strength training, sprint coaching, rehab, and conditioning. This broad base will help you specialize effectively later.

Filter knowledge wisely

Mukund highlights the importance of not acting on every new trend. Instead, allow ideas to settle. Focus your learning on challenges you’re actively facing, like injuries or athlete development, to make new knowledge stick.

Highlights from the episode:

✅ How Mukund landed a pro club role without a footy background
✅ The underrated checklist every S&C coach should follow
✅ When and how to contact AFL clubs for internship roles
✅ Advice to fast-track your coaching career
✅ How to filter the flood of sports science information