In episode 237, Max chats with Melbourne Football Club Head of High Performance Selwyn Griffith!

Selwyn takes us inside what it really takes to design and lead an AFL high-performance program during a coaching transition - from aligning with a new senior coach’s vision to preparing athletes to execute a new game style.

We discuss how Melbourne adapted their program under Steven King, the importance of building robust and resilient athletes, and why training must be harder than the game. Selwyn breaks down how clubs manage high-speed running, sprint exposure, and the balance between performance and injury risk across pre-season and in-season.

Selwyn also explains the realities of load management, why “it’s okay to be sore,” and how elite environments build both physical and mental resilience in players. We explore the challenges that come with coaching changes, the increased injury risk that comes with new stimulus, and how high-performance teams navigate that.

We also dive into Selwyn’s journey from osteopath to one of the leading high-performance managers in the AFL, his time at the Brisbane Lions during their rise, and what it was like stepping into the role at Melbourne following a premiership - including dealing with imposter syndrome and leading at the highest level.

All this and much more in episode 237 of Sporting Max!

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