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Ever wondered what really happens when professional athletes face extreme heat during competition? Or how a simple change in playing surface can derail weeks of careful preparation? This candid conversation between two high-performance coaches pulls back the curtain on the realities of managing elite athletes during the demanding first round of the AFL season.

From thermoregulation strategies in 35°C+ temperatures to the surprising science behind effective cooling methods, our coaches share practical insights rarely discussed publicly. They break down why Marvel Stadium's artificial surface consistently leads to increased injury rates and how the physical transition between venues presents unique challenges for players and performance staff alike.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn when examining a rare public admission from a player claiming their team had "a clear athletic advantage" over their opponents. This leads to a deeper exploration of preparation methods, questioning whether teams focusing heavily on running metrics might be neglecting the crucial metabolic conditioning that comes from repeated contest work. The coaches advocate for measuring and deliberately overloading contact exposure in training—sharing innovative approaches to quantifying these elements using GPS and accelerometer data.

Professional development emerges as a passionate topic for both coaches, who challenge conventional wisdom about career advancement. Their message is refreshingly straightforward: coach anyone who will listen, regardless of level, and learn through direct application rather than waiting for formal education opportunities. "Go and take a team and make your mistakes there" stands as perhaps the most valuable advice for aspiring sports practitioners.

Whether you're a professional in the field or simply fascinated by what happens behind the scenes in elite sport, this episode offers rare insights into the practical challenges faced by those tasked with preparing athletes for competition at the highest level. Subscribe now to join our growing community of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts exploring the art and science of performance.

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The coaches discuss managing ambitious staff in high-performance environments and the challenge of balancing career progression with proper skill development. They explore approaches for developing both expertise and the ability to effectively manage multidisciplinary teams.

• Young coaches often want to advance quickly without developing adequate depth of knowledge
• Understanding mechanical principles behind training methods is essential before advancing
• Expand knowledge beyond your specialty by spending time with practitioners from other disciplines
• The most valuable professional development comes from extended time with experienced practitioners, not just courses
• Success requires making yourself uncomfortable – studying when others are relaxing
• Present your ideas and methodologies to receive feedback and refine your approach
• Embrace honest review and criticism as essential components of improvement
• Build empathy by learning the language and perspectives of other disciplines
• Social media can be a platform for sharing knowledge and connecting with other professionals

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We delve into the complexities of hamstring injuries and explore an alternative narrative behind recurrence in athletes. Through an analysis of an AFL re-injury hypothetical, we examine current training philosophies and propose a re-evaluation of how athletes prepare for return to play.

• Examining AFL hamstring injury and recovery 
• Investigating traditional sports rehabilitation methods 
• Exploring the role of data and technology in injury prevention 

Join us in challenging the status quo in athlete rehabilitation!

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A thought-provoking discussion unfolds around the critical relationship between sports science and coaching, addressing the fine line between data interpretation and practical application in conditioning athletes. We explore the disconnect between coaches and performance scientists, their communication hurdles, and the importance of collaboration in optimizing player readiness.

• Critique of sports science by prominent football figures 
• Conditioning's role in preparing athletes for competitive play 
• Importance of trust between coaches and sports scientists 
• Need for a shared language to facilitate better communication 
• Real-life examples of managing player workloads and performance metrics 
• Discussion on injury risks among categorically fit and healthy players 
• Emphasis on the importance of collaboration in sports performance

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The episode delves into the intertwining themes of culture, performance, and leadership within the context of the Indigenous All-Stars game. It explores the challenges athletes face regarding performance metrics, cultural significance, and job interview processes, emphasizing the importance of preparation, connection, and personal growth in these contexts.

• Discussion of the Indigenous All-Stars game and its significance 
• The cultural immersion of Indigenous players in sports 
• Challenges of balancing physical demands with cultural respect 
• Insights on player resilience and genetic durability 
• Importance of GPS metrics in monitoring performance 
• Reflections on personal growth through job interviews 
• Strategies for effective preparation and connection 
• The role of scenario planning in professional development 
• Closing thoughts on the value of cultural significance in athletics

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In this episode, we explore the complexity of injuries in the AFL, questioning whether short preseasons are a factor in the increasing number of athletic injuries. We discuss training intensity, the evolution of the game, and the importance of professional development for coaches.

• Analysis of recent injuries within the AFL landscape 
• Discussion of the implications of short preseason training 
• Examination of explosive gameplay and its injury risks 
• Insights on current training practices and adaptations 
• The need for mentorship and professional development among coaches

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In our first podcast back for 2025, we explore the unique challenges faced by professional athletes during their training, including the impact of holiday breaks and irregular schedules on performance and injury rates. The episode highlights the shared responsibility between athletes and coaches, emphasizing the importance of communication, monitoring loads, and maintaining wellness.

• The value of breaks in team sports and their implications 
• Challenges of training continuity in elite leagues 
• The scale of managing player training in MLB vs AFL 
• Importance of athlete accountability in injury prevention 
• Discussion on emerging technologies for assessing fatigue 
• Navigating cooperation between internal staff and external trainers 
• Balancing team strategies with individual athlete needs 
• Reassessing training protocols to enhance player readiness

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Discover the transformative impact of the AFL's three-week break on work-life balance for staff and players in our latest special on Two Coaches and a Coffee. Join us as we promise to unravel the key lessons from our exciting trips across the UK and US, visiting legendary football clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, as well as the MLS Performance Association. Along the way, we explore the powerful influence of performance staff in sports, showcasing the innovative problem-solving skills and acute thinking that define these professionals. We also delve into the pressing issue of mechanical decay linked to athlete fatigue and discuss how performance experts continuously adapt by integrating new insights into their existing practices.

In the vibrant world of sports science and leadership, there's always something new to learn. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of continuous professional development, networking, and experiential learning, balanced with formal education. From personal anecdotes with colleagues like Les Spellman to the richness of real-world conversations, our discussion reaffirms the value of blending formal education with practical experiences to enrich knowledge in the realm of sports science.

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How do top-tier sports teams navigate the complexities of continuity and youth development amid the ever-changing landscape of management changes? Join us as we promise to uncover the secrets behind this challenge alongside the insights of our special guests, Darren Burgess and Jason Weber. From the bustling PSPA event in Fort Lauderdale to the hallowed grounds of the English Premier League, we journey through the intricate web of staff structures and philosophies that bind first teams and academies together. Inspired by a Russian axiom, we ponder the radical idea of placing top coaches with the youngest players and share our takeaways from the dynamic hiring processes within academies.

Our exploration doesn't stop at football; we venture into the realm of AFL training methods, weighing the merits of a five-day training week against the physical demands of elite athletes. Through this lens, we draw fascinating parallels with basketball and soccer, debating the benefits of skill repetition and tactical periodization. Our recent UK adventures underscore the relentless preparation required for back-to-back matches and the cascading effects of global football calendars, including the looming 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Emphasizing the transformative power of overseas visits, we highlight how face-to-face interactions can elevate professional growth and networking, setting the stage for our upcoming discussions in Sydney. Tune in for a rich tapestry of insights, experiences, and anticipations that promise to enrich your perspective on the world of sports.

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This week we explore the intriguing intersection of performance and medical roles in sports. Through engaging anecdotes and real-world scenarios, we unpack the delicate balance necessary to keep athletes at their peak while avoiding the pitfalls of working in silos. Learn how valuing people over models enhances collaboration and optimizes athlete care, as demonstrated by pioneering individuals like Jack Inman and Mitchell White who are not afraid to innovate.

Discover the journey of collaboration with renowned pain specialist Lorimer Moseley, who challenged conventional approaches to athlete rehabilitation. By embracing fresh perspectives, we explore how innovative strategies can break entrenched cycles and enhance recovery. Personal stories of professional growth, such as Dr. Jeffrey Boyle’s evolution from a focused physio to a broader performance expert, highlight the profound impact of interdisciplinary collaboration for both athlete outcomes and staff development.

Emotional intelligence takes center stage as we discuss its critical role in effective leadership, even under the pressures of high-stakes environments. Drawing on experiences with notable organizations, we challenge assumptions about leadership credentials and emphasize the importance of experience and mentorship. As we wrap up, we express our gratitude to our listeners and tease future thought-provoking discussions and stories from recent encounters with fascinating individuals.

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