In episode 215, Max chats with GWS High Performance Boss Nick Poulos! Nick unpacks managing sore bodies, timing a run into finals, and building genuine trust and respect between players and the high-performance team.

Nick’s story is one of the most incredible in Australian sport - from his early days as a rugby player and 400m runner, to coaching professional rugby internationally in Tonga and Qatar, before making the transition into the AFL’s high-performance space.

From working in sales to taking the leap and going all-in on his coaching career, Nick shares incredible insights from his time at the Adelaide Crows - including working with Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane and Tex Walker from day one, the tragic passing of coach Phil Walsh in 2015, and how the club rebuilt itself in the aftermath.

Nick also takes us inside his journey at GWS - transforming the Giants from a small-market club to a powerhouse in 2019, the decision to play captain Phil Davis in the Grand Final despite a calf injury, and how to weigh up risk versus reward when it matters most.

Plus, Nick reflects on stepping down from his role at the end of this year, the process of appointing his successor, and a season review of how the Giants managed their injury load throughout 2024.

All this and much more in episode 215 of Sporting Max

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In episode 214, Max chats with Chicago Bulls Assistant Coach Damian Cotter!

From growing up in Ferntree Gully to the bright lights of the NBA, Damian shares his journey -becoming Knox head coach at just 28, leading the Sydney Kings, and the lessons he learned after being sacked just 12 games in.

He opens up on rediscovering his love for coaching alongside Brendan Joyce with the Opals, the call that changed everything, and what "culture" really means to him.

We also dive into setting standards as a G League head coach in 2020, Josh Giddey’s arrival in Chicago, 'that'shot.

Plus, we look at what they're looking to achieve in the season ahead, and what the Bulls want to establish heading into the season.

All this and much more in episode 214 of Sporting Max!

In this episode of the Business Series, Max chats with Kai Bloomfield, founder of Trainstop, the modern way of recruiting athletes.

Kai shares how his entrepreneurial mindset led to the creation of Trainstop, the process of turning an idea into a live app, and how they’re engaging younger athletes through camps and off-season training.

From starting out as an intern at Collingwood in 2018 to launching a platform that’s reshaping athlete recruitment, Kai takes us inside the rapid journey from concept to launch - and where Trainstop is heading next.

All this and much more in this episode of the Business Series!

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In episode 213, Max chats with Australian basketball star Angus Brandt! Angus takes us through building resilience, championships, and a potential NBL return. From starting out as a lanky kid dreaming of playing professionally, to the impact of coach Damian Cotter and the college offers that shaped his path, Angus opens up on the highs and setbacks of his career.

He shares how he balanced the college lifestyle, the long road back from an ACL injury, and the moment he signed his first contract with the Sydney Kings.

Angus also takes us inside the Perth Wildcats’ championship years - the infectious mindset, the ruthless drive to win, and the brilliance of playing alongside Bryce Cotton.

Plus, we touch on whether an NBL return is on the cards.

All this and much more in episode 213 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 212, Max chats with Former Melbourne and Fremantle CEO Cameron Schwab! Cam takes us through growing up around his late father Alan, listening to the legendary conversations of Tom Hafey and Ron Barassi, to walking into the Melbourne Football Club at just 18 and instantly earning Ron’s respect, Cam’s story is remarkable.

He breaks down becoming the youngest CEO in AFL history at Richmond at only 24, and leading the famous Save Our Skin campaign which raised over $1 million from members to save the Richmond Football Club.

Cam also reflects on turning around Melbourne as CEO, the appointment of Neale Daniher as coach, and the challenges of the salary cap breaches between 1995 and 1998. We dive into how he got Fremantle out of $8 million in debt, how he helped shape the identity of a non-Victorian club, and the traits and values that were instilled in him from a young age.

Cam shares powerful insights into what makes a great leader, how to continually evolve, and how he now reflects on his own leadership style.

All this and much more in episode 212 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 211, Max chats with Executive GM BBL Alistair Dobson! Alistair takes us through all the talking points ahead of the biggest season in league history.

We dive into one of the hottest topics in Australian cricket - the proposed privatisation of the BBL, with a potential plan to sell 49% of teams to investors including IPL owners.

Alistair also shares his perspective on the global competition for T20 talent, and how the league plans to maximise the impact of big-name signings heading into BBL15.

All this and much more in episode 211 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 210, Max chats with Legendary NBA Skills Trainer Phil Beckner! Phil takes us inside what it truly takes to be great. From growing up in a broken home to finding the one person who believed in him, to training Damian Lillard for 15 years, Phil’s journey is proof of resilience and relentless standards.

At the core of his philosophy are two ultimate factors: your behaviours and your responses. These are what separate those who stand out from those who fall behind.

We dive into the processes behind becoming the best in the world, how to hold yourself and others accountable, and what it was like working with now NBA championship-winning coach Mark Daigneault at OKC Blue.

Phil also takes us inside the Weber State locker room, where 2 of 5 coaches voted that Damian Lillard wouldn’t make it through training camp. He shares how Dame proved them wrong, and gives an update on his recovery and the work they’re doing with Formula Zero.

An incredible conversation with one of the best in the game. All this and much more in episode 210 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 209, Max chats with Australian Boomers Legend Daniel Kickert! Daniel takes us through striving for excellence, trusting the process, and building a championship culture with the Sydney Kings.

From starting out at the AIS alongside Damian Martin, to being recruited by basketball powerhouse Saint Mary’s College, Dan made a seamless transition to the US college system before carving out a career across Europe.

He reflects on adapting to different styles of play abroad, his return home with Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings, and the shift into coaching.

Dan takes us inside the making of the Kings’ back-to-back championships — from Chase Buford’s forward-thinking style of play (heavily criticised at first, but ultimately a winner) to the mindset of playing with a chip on their shoulder: us vs the world.

An incredible insight into the journey, standards, and one of Australia's greatest basketball mind's.

All this and much more in episode 209 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 208, Max chats with legendary high performance director Andrew Russell! Andrew takes us through starting out at Essendon working with James Hird and Matthew Lloyd - including helping Hird return to his best and leading to a premiership. At just 23 years old, he built trust with senior players, a foundation that would shape the rest of his career.

From training days at Port Adelaide, where Michael Wilson once pushed himself to the point of exhaustion, to identifying the trigger for Hawthorn’s dynasty, Andrew shares the insights that define elite performance.

He takes us inside how he and Alastair Clarkson built a powerhouse Hawks side from 2005, the breakthrough 2008 flag, and the challenge of managing success. One story stood out: when the players returned a combined 85kg heavier after that flag, Andrew wheeled in 85kg of lard, dropped it on the table, and said, “This is your new teammate.” That moment set the tone for the years that followed.

Andrew shares what separates good from great athletes, highlighting the relentless determination of Kane Cornes and Sam Mitchell. We also unpack his time at Carlton and the unbelievable run the Blues had in 2023.

An incredible look at the culture, standards, and mindset behind greatness in Australian sport.

All this and much more in episode 208 of Sporting Max!

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In episode 207, Max chats with The Age's Marc McGowan! Marc clears the air on last week’s Footy Classified feedback. We dive into what it really takes to get a “10” from Marc, his journey from Star News Group to footy in the NT and the AFL, and his insights on always planning your next move. We also break down whether Essendon let Jordan Ridley go, along with the latest on Charlie Curnow. All this and much more in episode 207 of Sporting Max!

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