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Darren McMillan is an Australian Sports Physiotherapist and holds one of the most converted roles in sport as a Senior Physiotherapist with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Before joining the AIS, Darren spent an incredible 10 years with the Richmond FC (AFL) where his time culminated in the club winning their first premiership in over 30 years. Darren went on to then join another AFL club in the North Melbourne FC, initially as a senior physiotherapist and then went on to have the opportunity to be the head physiotherapist for the club. Darren has the unique experience having worked in both professional club sport to now managing a portfolio of different sports and athletes in an institute of sports model. So, enjoy as Darren shares his journey through the volatility, and at times unforgiving nature, of club land to now being a member of one of the most prestigious sports institutes in the world. 

Highlights from the episode…

•  Admittedly not having the athletic ability, Darren chose to pursue his dream of working in sport through studying science majoring in anatomy & physiology.
• Darren talks about the value of volunteering your time and how that propelled his career into sport with his first role at Coburg FC (VFL). 
• Darren shares how he was able to secure his dream job with the Richmond Tigers (AFL).
• We discuss how Darren was able to avoid "burn out" while working 2 jobs for 10 years with both the Richmond Tigers and private practice. 
• Daren shares some of the highlights of working with Richmond, including being on ground during the 2017 grand final win! 
• After an incredible premiership winning season, Darren shares how he was then met with news that his contract was not being renewed for next season.
• Darren shares how hard it was at the time to loose his role especially during the time of year where most AFL roles are in place for next season. 
• After initially being turned down for a role, Darren shares how he went on to secure a new role with the North Melbourne Kangaroos (AFL).
• Daren shares the recruitment process and how he was able to successfully secure one of very few full time roles in professional sport.
• After successfully progressing to the Head Physio role with the club, Darren was again hit with the reality of professional sport, and was informed his contract will not be renewed for next season. 
• Darren talks about the volatility, difficulties & doubts he experienced after loosing his role with the Kangaroos.
• All this soon changed with Darren successfully securing one of the most coveted roles in sport as a Senior Physio with the AIS.
• Darren provides an insight into an Institute of Sports model and how it differs to AFL club land.
• Darren finally shares his excitement of playing his part with athletes in the lead up to the 2024 Paris games.

People mentioned: 

• Matt Turnbull - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-turnbull-904a162a/?originalSubdomain=au

 Darren McMillan contact details:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjmcmillan/

Host: Luis Resa

Contact me on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/
• Email: [email protected]

Thanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.