In episode 226, Max chats with West Coast Eagles High Performance Manager Phil Merriman! Phil takes us inside his move from Fremantle over the off-season, why West Coast is one of the most exciting young groups in the AFL, and what it actually looks like to develop a large cohort of emerging talent all at once.

From starting out in hockey, to being shaped by two of the best in the business - Andrew Russell and Darren Burgess - Phil shares the principles that underpin his philosophy today.

We unpack how he balances educating players without overloading them, and the challenges of working with athletes who absorb (and action) information in completely different ways.

Phil also opens up on a turning-point moment in his career - when Josh Carr told him:

“Remember, it’s your program. Take charge, or you’ll end up sacked.”

What followed was a period of “bloody hard work”, elite standards, and a development system that helped drive Fremantle’s young core forward.

Finally, Phil gives insight into the vision at West Coast from Andrew McQualter, John Worsfold and Gavin Bell, and the key boxes he wants to see ticked off this pre-season.

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All this and much more in episode 226 of Sporting Max!

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