In this episode, we unpack how to keep football performance at the top of your priorities during the season with the AFL Lifting Prioritization Guide. Discover how to balance conditioning, strength and power, and match fitness using insights from the AFL Lifting Prioritization Guide, helping you stay focused on what truly drives results on the field.
This conversation is ideal for AFL coaches and sport scientists who want to refine their in-season planning, improve recovery strategies, and make smarter programming choices that support consistent performance.
AFL Lifting Prioritization Guide
Football Performance Comes First
In AFL, your number one priority should always be football performance. Every session, drill, and gym workout must enhance how you play on the field. When you’re performing at your best, you not only enjoy the game more but also increase your chances of being drafted and maintaining your spot in the team. It’s the key to long-term success, whether you’re chasing your first contract or fighting to stay in the top lineup.
Conditioning Builds the Foundation
Conditioning lays the groundwork for your football performance. By the time the season starts, your fitness base should already be solid. From there, your focus shifts to recovery and sharp preparation. Training should complement your matches never compete with them. Since most of your weekly load comes from game day, your midweek sessions should help you move better and recover faster.
Strength and Power Must Adapt
Unlike off-season training, you’re in-season gym program needs flexibility. It should adjust based on your game load, recovery time, and overall fatigue. Too much volume or the wrong exercise order can leave you sore and underperforming on the field. Smart lifting means knowing when to push hard and when to back off.
Consistency and Flexibility Win
The best programs aren’t rigid they’re responsive. Avoid random exercise swaps or sticking too tightly to a plan that ignores your game rhythm. Keep key lifts consistent, progress strategically, and time your heavy or explosive work early in the week. By game day, you’ll feel fresh, powerful, and ready to perform.
Highlights from the episode:
– Why football performance must always come first
– The shift from conditioning to game fitness
– How to adapt strength and power around football
– Common mistakes that derail in-season performance
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