#152 – Stronger, Faster, Harder: The Power of AFL Full Body Workouts

AFL Power Training Tips

This chat dives into the nuts and bolts of what really drives performance. We cover why aerial ability is such an underrated skill, how rotational power translates to game-day speed and strength, and the simple ways testing can make training more targeted. If you’ve been looking for practical AFL Power Training Tips, this episode has you covered. These AFL Power Training Tips aren’t just theory they’re built on what actually works on the field.

We also get into the practical stuff coaches always debate what rep ranges actually deliver, whether the time of day really matters, and how long a session should run to get the best out of athletes without overdoing it.

If you’re a coach, sport scientist, or just someone who loves digging into the “why” behind training, this episode gives you clear, no-nonsense takeaways you can use right away.

AFL Power Training Tips

Elevate Your Aerial Game

In AFL, the ability to dominate in the air sets great players apart. Contested marks, intercepts, and spoiling require not just timing but also physical power. By training specifically for aerial strength, athletes can become more reliable targets and more disruptive defenders.

Harness Rotational Power

Rotational strength is the hidden weapon in football. Using your hips and shoulders to fend off opponents or shrug tackles gives you a split-second advantage. Moreover, it helps you stick your own tackles with more control. Developing this power through explosive drills creates game-changing moments on the field.

Keep Training Explosive

Instead of long sessions, short bursts of intent are best. Three to six reps of explosive movements across two or three exercises are enough to spark results. Consequently, athletes stay sharp and avoid unnecessary fatigue. Consistency across the week ensures the body adapts to moving faster.

Train with Intent

Not every athlete responds the same way. Some need longer ranges of motion, while others thrive on snappy, tendon-based work. Therefore, the same program can deliver different outcomes depending on how it’s performed. Tailoring exercise choice and intent to the individual maximizes results.

Time Sessions Wisely

Finally, timing matters. Power sessions work best before field training because they sharpen focus and reinforce fast movement patterns. Longer strength sessions, however, should follow fieldwork or sit on separate days. This approach keeps athletes fresh, safe, and consistently improving.

Highlights of the episode:

✅ Why aerial ability matters more than you think
✅ The secret behind building rotational power
✅ Turning testing data into smarter training
✅ Getting rep ranges right for real progress
✅ Does training time of day change results?
✅ How long should a workout actually last

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Jack McLean, founder of Prepare Like a Pro, smiling and holding a red football.

Jack McLean

Jack McLean is the founder of Prepare Like a Pro and a passionate coach dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. He is the Senior Athletic Performance Coach at the Parramatta Eels, specializing in speed development, agility, and return-to-play strategies. Jack has previously worked as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Hawthorn FC and as Strength & Rehab Coach at Melbourne FC. He holds a Master’s in Applied Sport Science and is a Level 3 ASCA-accredited coach.

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