Explore every episode of the podcast The Footy Coach Podcast

Episode 195 is a repost episode (Ep#69) with the current General Manager of Football at Melbourne Football Club Alan Richardson. Having previously held the Senior Coaching role at St Kida Fc, numerous assistant coaching roles in the AFL and played 114 games for the Collingwood Fc he gives a great oversight on what elite level performance looks like and how he went about achieving it. We discuss his key principals for better and more consistent performance, common coaching mistakes, myths and mistakes in training, leading a football program and plenty more. Check it out!

Gavin Mahony joins us for this episode, a facilitator and partner with Leading Teams. Gavin is the third time we have had a member of leading teams on the podcast with Tim Ferguson (#7) and Jake Bridges (#8) on the show previously. 

During this episode we discuss a whole range areas around Leadership, Culture and high performing teams. We discuss what it takes to turn a culture around, keys to a high performing team, what great leadership looks like, myths and mistakes in leadership, a leader Gavin admires and why, why empowering players can help drive your team performance, book and documentary recommendations and plenty more! Check it out!

In this episode Joc discusses ways parents can help support their young footballer (discussion targeting the 8-14yo age bracket) on their footbal journeys. There are numerous pitfalls and traps that parents can easily fall into that will have a negative impact on their child's experience and Joc shares some tips and practical advice to allow your young footballer to thrive.
Key discussion points include:
- What it means to 'thrive'
- The car ride home matters
- Focus on effort, not outcome
- Let coaches coach
- Help build independence 
- Handling setbacks properly
- Multi-sport & balance

Something to ponder...."Are we helping kids enjoy the journey?" and "Are we building confidence or pressure?"

A simple message to parents is always be their biggest fan. 

Episode 192 Joc discusses 5 focus areas for players and teams which will help put you on the path to success for the second half of the season. 
These include:
1. Staying committed to continual improvement
2. Doubling down on team first mindset
3. Master the recovery process
4. Build momentum through consistency
5. Embrace the hard part of the season

Listen to find out more!

Episode 191 features Matthew Skubis, who most recently served as an AFLW Assistant Coach with St Kilda FC. His coaching journey has also included roles with Western Bulldogs AFLW, Carlton AFLW, and the Brisbane Lions Girls Academy.

In this episode, we explore Matthew’s coaching journey and dive into a wide range of coaching topics including team defence, common coaching mistakes, key principles for creating better and more consistent footy, training myths and wasted time, AFL-level coaches he admires, players who exceeded expectations and why, along with his book and documentary recommendations.

A practical and insightful conversation packed with valuable lessons for coaches at every level. Check it out!

Episode 190 is a repost episode with Brenton Sanderson (EP 72) who is the former Senior Coach of Adelaide Football Club, assistant coach at Collingwood Fc and Geelong Cats during their three premiership years (2007, 2009, 2011) along with a number of other coaching roles including local level. He played over 200 games of AFL footy and during this episode we discussed what it looks like to be a current AFL coach, his key principals for better and more consistent footy, common coaching mistakes, myths and mistakes in training, AFL coach he admires, book recommendations and plenty more. Check it out!

Craig McRae is episode 189 guest which is a repeat episode (Episode 22)on the show to dive back into his key learnings and advice for coaches and players. The current Premiership winning coach of the Collingwood Football Club, 'fly' takes you through his coaching principals that guide his decisions, comparing the dynasties from Brisbane Lions 01-04 with Richmond 2017-20 and what made them great, common coaching mistakes in coaching, myths and mistakes in training, coaches he admires and why, book recommendations and plenty more. Check it out!

Episode 188 brings Melbourne Football Club Head of Development Taylor Whitford to the show. During this episode we discuss the development of players and his key focus areas. Principals for better and more consistent football, common coaching mistakes, AFL coach he admires and why, player who exceeded expectations and how they did it, book recommendations and plenty more! Check it out 

Follow an easy to use pre game coach address plan to hit the right points to get your team to play its best.
Key ares include:
- Line up, rotations and match ups
- Playing conditions
- Game Themes and stories
- Process with the 3 modes of play
and more!

Check it out

This episode Joc discusses his recent experience riding 300km over two days and the key learnings he took out of it that can be applied for coaches and players. 
Check it out.

For those interested, the route was:
Day 1: (137km)
Geelong to Queenscliffe
-Ferry
Sorrento to Stoney Point.
-Ferry
Cowes
Wonthaggie
Inverloch

Day 2. (163km)
Inverloch to 
Buffalo
Fish Creek
Foster
Welshpool
Alberton
Yarram
Woodside
Longford - FINISH!

Craig Starcevich is the guest for episode 185 on The Footy Coach Podcast. Current senior coach of the Brisbane Lions AFLW team and 2x premiership coach (6x Grand Finalist!). He played 177 games for Collingwood Fc and Brisbane Bears, including the 1990 AFL premiership with the mighty pies.  During this episode he shares his insights on what it takes to achieve sustained success for a footy team, how he views player development, what makes great assistant coaches, successful coaches he admires and why, a player who exceeded expectation and how they did it, book and documentary recommendations and plenty more! Check it out

This episode Joc discusses what a great preseason footy camp could look like for you. Key elements you need to have within your footy camp, common mistakes that you should avoid, a camp plan you could follow and much more. A key question Joc would have you ask yourself is, 'does this make us a better footy club?" when deciding what to include within your footy camp. Listen to find out more.

Episode 183 is Joc presenting his first speech he would give to the Tasmanian Football Club if he was the Senior Coach. 
Key focus is not structures, systems, player personnel, playing styles... it is all about setting a broader Vision and Team Values for the whole team and players to individually strive to live out. 
Enjoy.
Just note, "Language Warning" for this episode.

Joc discusses the need to focus on the fundamentals: Kicking, handballing, marking, groundballs etc Why it is integral to your development and progression as a player and as a coach with your team. It does not matter how good your game plan is with strutures and system if your players cannot hit a 20m kick consistently or a 5m handball. Check it out to hear more.

Joc discusses 3 things players (u16 and above) need to nail this Christmas break to be ready to have their best footy seasons!

3 areas include:
- Training 
- Mentally recharging and reloading
- Nutrition and hydration

Check it out to find out more

With the new year underway we just wanted to pass on our thanks to those who made 2025 possible for TFC and we look forward to what 2026 will bring!

Check it out!

This Victorian Draft Training Camp is built for rising footy talent aged 14–18. Train in a genuine elite environment alongside other top players and sharpen your skills, fitness, and footy IQ for the season ahead.

Across the camp you’ll experience what it’s like to live like a professional footballer—complete with filming and analysis, elite coaching, skill development, game understanding, and strength and conditioning.

Open to boys and girls born in 2008–2011 who are chasing high-performance footy pathways, from AFL and VFL dreams to representative programs. Aspiring elite players from anywhere in Australia are welcome.

Newly appointed Carlton Fc VFL Head Coach and AFL Development Coach Damian Truslove is the guest for this episode. He has also held coaching roles at AFL level with GWS along with being Head Coach of their VFL team and Sydney Fc VFL team. During this episode we discuss his new role and first things he is looking to implement, key principals for better and more consistent footy, common coaching mistakes, list decisions and evaluating players, identifying trends in games, AFL coach he admires, myths and mistakes in training, book and documentary recommendations and plenty more! Check it out. 

Episode 177 guest is Adam Marcon, newly appointed North Melbourne VFL Head Coach. For the past two season he was a development coach with North Melbourne AFL side which he will continue alongside his new VFL role. Prior to this he has coached as an assistant at AFLW and VFL. He has also coached senior local footy. His playing career included a season with Richmond AFL side, he was also captain and spent a number of years with Williamson Fc in the VFL.  

During this episode we discuss a range of topics including key principals for better and more consistent footy, opposition analysis and focus points, leadership, key players vs role players, game day stats, AFL coach he admires and why, myths and mistakes in training, book and documentary recommendations and plenty more. Check it out

During this episode Joc discusses the offseason (the period between your last game of the season and the first official preseason session e.g. Sep - Nov) and how you can use this time to become better and level up your skills as a footballer.  Check it out

During this episode Joc discusses ways to improve the confidence within your footy team. 

They include: 
1. Set clear and achievable goals
2. Positive reinforcement & feedback
3. Build the connection amongst your team
4. Master fundamentals through quality repetition 
5. Focus on individual strengths/weapons
6. Build Mental toughness and utilise visualisation
7. Celebrate effort
8. Consistent and competent coaching
9. Track and show progress
10. Create controlled adversity in training

This episode Joc discusses what he sees as a great captain at a football club. He covers such things as club alignment, culture driver and living out the club values. A captain who is the fabric of the club and embodies what other players aspire to be. If your looking to pick a captain this upcoming season as a coach or evaluate your current leader this episode is worth a listen.

Todays episode Joc discusses the need to have values as a football club. Having set values at your club drives and guides behaviour, helps attack the 'right' people and helps avoid clashes with agenda's between key stakeholders within your footy club. During this episode Joc discusses a possible check list for you as a coach (or player) with regards to your clubs values and where you stack up against them. Check it out

Kicking is the most fundamental skill playing Australian Rules Football. For you to progress and improve your game kicking is at the forefront of that. No matter what age or level you are at you should be always looking to progress your kicking skill. 
During this episode Joc discusses what he likes to see with a good kick and how it can improve you. Check it out

During this episode Joc discusses 5 mistakes that can kill your progress as a footballer, they include:
Inconsistency
Complacency
Neglecting fundamentals
Avoiding feedback
Injuries
Check out the episode to find out more!

Lewis Johnson joins the show for episode 170. Former first round draft pick for the Sydney Swans (pick 12) and Adelaide Football Club player, we discuss his experiences in AFL football, his transition into life post AFL football and his current coaching role in the SANFL with Woodville West Torrens.
Lewis gives great insight into the challenge of making the transition into the 'real world' and gives great advice and shares key learnings that he has had with regards to his own career and financial decisions. He explains some of the pitfalls that can cause financial stress and how to avoid them. 
We also discuss things that set him up to get drafted, AFL coaches and their influence on him and much more. Enjoy

This episode features guest Jamie Cassidy-McNamara, current Head Coach of the Coburn Lions in the VFL. During this chat we discuss a whole range of aspects of coaching including skill acquisition and the importance of planning your sessions, training skills that translate into the games, setting standards and expectations, key focus when starting a head coaching role at a new club, key principals to better and more consistent footy, common coaching mistakes, who he sees as a successful AFL coach and why, book recommendations and plenty more! Check it out

If I was 16yo and playing AFL was my dream this is what I would do now! It starts with setting the goal and identifying your strengths and having the right mindset for success. From there is is all about building those skills, game knowledge, fitness, recovery habits, nutrition and hydration. It also includes being a great person, leader, teammate and getting advantages where you can! For all those young players out there who dream of playing AFL, check this out.

During this episode Joc discusses seven things you need to consider before starting to coach for the first time. They include: Why do you want to coach; Your football experience; Time commitments; Head Coach or assistant; Team demographics; Club support and people; Coaching ambitions
Check it out to find out more

EP166 Joc discusses B.H.A.G. (BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOALS). The term originated from Jim Collins author of 'Good to Great' and 'Built to last'. Having a big long term goal (5-10+ years) was a key difference from his research into 'great' companies compared to just 'good' companies. In this episode Joc discusses how this can be applied to a Football Team and an individual player or coach. There are a number of reasons why you should have  BHAG and during this chat Joc discusses those reasons and how it can give you as a coach, player or your team the edge year after year. Check it out

Todd Goldstein joins the show for episode 165. Currently in his 19th AFL season, played 335 games AFL footy, Best and Fairest, All Australian and the AFL record holder for most hit outs (Over 10,000)!
During this chat we discuss the role of the ruckman, ruck craft, his longevity and what an average week looks like, his draft year and the lead up, basketball and how it helped his footy, Key principals for better and more consistent footy, myths and mistakes in training, a successful AFL coach and why, a player who exceeded expectations and why, mindset on game-day and much more!

Neil Balme joins the show for episode 164. A 2x Premiership player for Richmond Fc, former Head Coach Melbourne Fc and legendary footy boss of Geelong and Richmond Fc during their recent premiership dynasties. 
During this conversation 'Balmy' gives his insights on what it takes to lead a football department, foundation blocks of great teams, building belief amongst a team, who he sees as a successful coach today and why, player leadership, building culture, list management, favourite books and plenty more!! A must listen episode! Check it out

David Buttifant joins us as our guest for episode 163. Former High Performance Manager for Collingwood, Carlton and North Melbourne in the AFL,  he is currently the Director of 'Resilience Builders' and the 'Keen Edge Team'. During this episode we discuss the keys to a great relationship between a High Performance manager of the club and the Head Coach; High performance for youth athletes; the future of high performance; investing in yourself as a player with extra coaching; how AFL soft cap has stalled innovation;  overseas player training camps and their benefits; book recommendations and plenty more! Check it out

Player Membership is for players who want to take their games to another level. The Membership offers tailored feedback specific to your development needs, so you’re not just practicing—you’re making progress with every session. When you join the Player Membership you will get access to all the very best of TFC. Including: Private Coaching sessions with Joc, Fundamental Skill Video Analysis and a Weekly structured skill session designed by Joc.
This is for players aged 8-17yo male and female. Whether your new to the game and want to build your skills and confidence; An established player who wants to maximise your potential as a footballer; Or an elite player with AFL/VFL aspirations.
TFC Player Membership will fulfil all your development needs.
Supercharge your footy skill development and elevate your game by joining The Footy Coach Players Membership today! Available now!

This episodes guest is Chris O'Connor who has coached at Norwood Fc in SANFL and South Fremantle in WAFL among a number of coaching roles. During this episode we dive into the coaching world of today, in particular high level coaches who have not played AFL vs coaches who have played AFL. We discuss the AFL draft age and whether that is the ideal age or could it be better to draft players at a later age. We also look into his coaching principals, common coaching mistakes, AFL coach he admires, training and drills and plenty more!

Cameron Ling is the guest for episode 160; Three Time Premiership Player, Premiership Captain, All Australian, Best and Fairest winner among many of his football achievements. We dive into a whole range of topics including his development years with the Geelong Falcons and what helped set him up for AFL success, how he trained, leadership and how he approached being captain, Bomber Thompson influence, balancing offence and defence as a tagger, keys to better and more consistent football, book and documentary recommendations and a heap more! Check it out!

Episode 159 guest is Jade Rawlings. Current backline coach for the Fremantle Football Club. He was previously the Senior Coach of Norwood, winning the SANFL Premiership in 2022. He has also coached with North Melbourne, Melbourne, Brisbane and Richmond Football Club. Prior to coaching he played 148 games for Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne Football Clubs. During this chat we discuss his transition from playing to coaching and from being an assistant to becoming a Senior Coach. 'Twig' outlines the changes that have occurred in coaching over his time, coaches he admires and why, common coaching mistakes, and a heap more! Have a listen!

Episode 158 features the current Easter Rangers u18 Girls Head Coach Jarrad Donders to the show. During this episode we discuss a whole range of coaching topics including team culture and how to create and sustain it, pre game speeches, over coaching and players retaining information, importance of player fundamental development over game structures and systems, mentors and AFL coach he admires, favourite drills and a heap more! Check it out

Episode 157 guest is the current Hawthorn VFLW Head Coach Michael Ericson. During this episode we discuss a whole range aspects of coaching including his objectives during preseason games and keys to a good preseason, players seeking extra resources, his key principals for better or more consistent footy, myths and mistakes in training, AFLW coach he admires, book and doco recommendations and plenty more.

Episode 156 guest is Chris Muratore. He is the Richmond Football Club VFL backline coach, AFLW assistant coach and Senior Coach of Parkside Football Club - undertaking all three roles simultaneously!
During this episode we dive into what it requires coaching in multiple programs, coaching backline and traits of good players, kicking technique, common coaching mistakes, key principals of better and more consistent footy, game day routine, successful AFL coach and why, myths and mistakes in training and a whole heap more! Have a listen and enjoy!

Episode 155 brings Tom Cashin to the show, current VFLW Head Coach of Collingwood Football Club. During this episode we cover a lot of  ground from developing players, what successful seasons look like at VFL level, importance of having good people in your program, AFL coach who he see's as successful (former guest...), book recommendations and a heap more. Check it out!!

2025 is in full swing as we record this episode and we ask the question, what are you doing to get better as a coach this year? 

Episode 153 we welcome back Tyson Popplestone, former National level distance runner and founder of Relaxed Running. During this episode we discuss how you can become a better runner via better technique, what great running mindset looks like, better recovery and avoiding injuries, training advice and tips, offseason sessions and plenty more! Check it out

Episode 152 we feature Hamish Oligvie as our guest. He is the current National Recruiting Manager for the mighty Adelaide Crows Football Club and has been for the past 18 years. During this episode we discuss his role, what it entails and the challenging parts of it along with the best parts. We discuss his principals for selecting players and how he views potential recruits and whether they would be a good fit for his team. Hamish explains the relationship between head coaches and recruitment and how that functions, the myths and mistakes in recruiting, draft age and whether he would change it and why, book recommendations and plenty more! Check it out

Upon recently reading Bill Belichick's biography book by Ian O'Connor (which I loved) I share 6 coaching lessons that I took away and share them here. They include: 1. Work ethic 2. List decisions 3. List build and team culture 4. Game planning to win 5. Motivational talks 6. Testing coaching and team staff.
Check it out (and the book too!)

This episode we get first time coach Chris Whelan on the show to discuss his learnings from this past season. Coaching the U14's at Langwarrin FC, Chris shares things he didn't know prior to coaching and how that can help you, myths and mistakes of a first time coach, common coaching mistakes, things first time coaches have to do, outside the box things that a coach needs to be aware of and plenty more! Check it out

Episode 149 we continue our off season recommendation series, this time discussing coaches. Tune in and find out what we recommend you do as a coach to keep elevating our game and make next season your best one yet.

During this episode Joc discusses his four recommendations for junior players during the offseason:
1. Play a complimentary sport
2. Keep a footy in your hands
3. Get extra coaching - Footy Camps, Private Coaching
4. Don't overdo it

Take a listen to hear these recommendations explained and why they are important. 

Michael Swann is the current List and Recruiting Manager of the mighty Brisbane Lions in the AFLW. Brisbane won the AFLW Premiership in 2023 and during this chat we discuss his role around list management and what it takes in the AFLW right now. We cover what the process is post season regarding list management decisions, relationship between Senior Coach and List Manager, what a typical week looks like for him, player payments being made public, book recommendations and plenty more! Check it out

Episode 146 we discuss the off season (September - November). Usually a 6 to 12 week span that starts after your last game of the season and finishes when your pre season starts. During this episode we look at a number of key things you can do (and not do) that will set you up for your best season yet next year. Listen to this episode to find out what these key things are!