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.

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Highlights from the episode:

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- Darren’s strength and conditioning journey from the 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 and gym movements for young developing footballers

- His approach to preparing AFL footballers and how important lifestyle factors 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

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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

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Darrren Burgess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dburgess25/

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Brukie & Burgo Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/brukie-and-burgo-the-podcast/id1519942623

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𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨

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