Hey Team,
As a few of you may know, I have a footy life outside of my gym life – and I’ve tried to write this as a bit of a holistic reflection piece – no names, no pack-drill so to speak – so if you’re looking for insights into selection, game plan and team structure, well, this isn’t the place. What I hope it does do is kind of talk to the big blocks of a season and reflect the commitment of the players who were involved.
After 43 weeks of training and 20 hard-fought games, our season at East Perth Footy Club has come to a close. It’s been a journey of sweat, grit, and determination, and while finishing second in the biggest game of the year is (apparently) a respectable outcome, it’s not quite where we wanted to be. And certainly was NOT the plan when it all kicked off last November. You’ll see me refer to 43-weeks a few times in this piece – basically, every week when the senior coach sent out the plans for the week, he labelled them as ‘week 1’, ‘week 2’ etc. I didn’t really notice this – I just saved the documents, opened them and reviewed them – until the last week when I saw week 43…that’s one helluva long season (and with post-season reviews etc still to come!).
Upon reflection, with a season that stretches almost the full year, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind—showing up to each session, putting in the work, and pushing your limits. But as we look back, it’s clear that true success comes from striking the right balance: maximising every single training session while never losing sight of the big picture.
Before I Skip ahead, here’s what it “LOOKS” Like
I can only talk about this stuff from a coaches perspective – but a week at the club is kind of like this. We play a game on Saturday – I arrive to watch the Colts (9am) then probably half of the Reserves before we head into a coaches meeting/team meeting for the league game. We’re done with the game and presentations and home by “about” 7pm. Sunday is a few hours cutting vision and reviewing the game – GPS and stats data usually arrive mid afternoon, from there it is sending clips to players, completing player feedback, messaging other coaches etc – Sunday is a busy day.
Monday (during the day) I generally set an hour or so aside to go through all of the players individual feedback – what they have reflected about their games (we have an app for tracking feedback) and what their respective line coaches have said about them – and flag any for follow-up conversations at training that night. My role is generally focussed on the younger players so that’s where my focus will be when doing these reviews. For some players I will follow up directly, for others I might check in with their respective line coaches and make sure they have a follow-up planned (which they always do ‘cos they’re good at their jobs!!).
Monday night we are at the club around 5pm – the players split into groups to do Yoga + Gym sessions – coaches perform their line reviews (Backs/Mids/Forwards) + full-team review. Lot’s of clips and numbers (stats) to be digested and discussed. Bit of injury management discussion with the S+C team around which players can/can’t train throughout the week, discussion with coaches over what the focus will be for the week ahead – usually home around 8pm. From there, it’s spend some time watching our opposition for the upcoming week – messaging coaches, exchanging clips and ideas in preparation for match committee the next night. Training plans for the week usually arrive (courtesy of the boss!) Monday nights as well so a quick review of those to make sure I know what I’m going to be directly responsible for on the training track before going to bed.
Tuesday is our main training session from 4:30pm until about 7pm, then match-committee…usually home by around 9:30pm (ish) depending on injuries etc. Wednesday is generally a bit more vision review (opposition) – clarifying thoughts for the weekend and preparing any scenarios needed for the next week’s game. Thursday is generally some player phone calls and follow-ups during the day / pre-training (usually around selection or more often, non-selection), then training again (4:30-6:30pm) followed by team meeting and lastly a coaches meeting going over any scenarios (pre-planning for game day injuries that might occur etc) then home around 8/8:30pm.
Friday is generally pretty ‘footy free’ (usually a player phone call or two) but then it all starts again Saturday morning.
Anyway – I guess that’s the week-to-week ‘background’ for everything that follows below!
Winning the Day, One Session at a Time
When you’re in the thick of a long season, it’s tempting to just “get through” each training session, especially during those cold, rainy weeks when motivation is at its lowest. But the secret to progress isn’t just about showing up; it’s about making every minute count, especially when it’s the hardest to do so.
It’s in these tough moments—when you’re tired, sore, and maybe even questioning why you’re doing it—that the greatest opportunities for growth arise. Pushing through when it would be easier to slack off or take a break is where real gains are made. It’s easy to train hard when everything’s going well and you’re feeling good, but the real test—and the biggest scope for improvement—comes when the conditions aren’t perfect.
During these challenging sessions, you have a choice: go through the motions, or dig deep and push yourself to find another gear. It’s in those extra sprints, that final rep, or the decision to give your best in every drill, even when you’d rather be anywhere else, that you truly grow as an athlete. Not just physically, but mentally.
These are the moments that build resilience, character, and confidence. They teach you to trust your preparation and to know that you can handle whatever comes your way—whether it’s a tough training block, a nail-biting game, or the pressure of finals. Each time you push yourself a little further, you’re not just making yourself better for the next game; you’re setting a new standard for what you’re capable of.
So, when the going gets tough, remember: that’s when the real work happens. That’s when the biggest breakthroughs are waiting. Every tough session, every struggle, is an investment in your future performance. Embrace the challenge, because it’s shaping you into the player—and the person—you’re meant to be.
Improving as a Team and as Individuals
For a team to grow, every player needs to be improving, both individually and as part of a cohesive unit. Each of our players has their own goals—some are working on physical attributes like speed, strength, and agility; others are focusing on specific game skills like contested marking or precision kicking. Every time a player improves in their area, it strengthens the entire team.
But it’s not just about individual skill. Becoming a more integrated team player is just as crucial. Understanding how your strengths fit into the team’s strategy, supporting your teammates, and playing your role effectively—all of this contributes to our collective success. It’s about lifting each other up and driving towards a shared goal, week by week, game by game.
Staying Focused When No One’s Watching
Training sessions are just one piece of the puzzle. What really separates good teams from great ones is the work put in outside of structured practice. That means focusing on the ‘big picture’ when no one is supervising—extra strength training, mobility work, massage, physio, and, of course, diet. It’s these additional efforts that build the resilience and strength needed to endure a long season and perform at your peak when it matters most.
Committing to the grind is crucial, but it’s equally important to manage your body and mind. Recovery, nutrition, and self-care play a huge role in long-term success. Skipping the small stuff—stretching, meal prep, rest—can be the difference between staying strong through the season or burning out before the finals. Success is built both on and off the field, and taking responsibility for your own development is key to making sure you’re ready when your moment comes.
Celebrating the Small Wins
In a long season, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind, but it’s the small wins that keep everyone motivated and connected. Recognizing these moments—whether it’s a win against a big rival or something as simple as acknowledging a teammate’s birthday—helps build a strong, positive culture. For a year to be truly successful, it can’t be all about hard work and relentless focus; there has to be time to enjoy the journey and celebrate the milestones along the way.
These celebrations don’t have to be grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about the little things: recognizing someone’s effort in training, cheering on a teammate’s improvement, or just sharing a laugh together after a tough game. This camaraderie and acknowledgment of each person’s contributions make the hard work worthwhile and create lasting memories that go beyond the scoreboard.
The Challenge of Being on the Fringes
One of the toughest aspects of any sport is dealing with the ups and downs of selection. For those on the fringes—some pushing for a spot in the senior side, others trying to hold onto their place in the reserves—it’s a constant battle to stay motivated and positive. It can be frustrating, even disheartening, to train hard and still not get the opportunity to showcase your progress on game day.
Yet, these players are the backbone of the team. Their commitment to self-improvement, their perseverance, and their willingness to be team players, even when it’s tough, set the standard for everyone else. It’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about being ready, staying sharp, and contributing to the team’s success in whatever way you can. It’s these efforts that make a difference in those crucial moments and help the entire team rise.
Lessons for the Future
Finishing second isn’t what we set out to do, but it’s an important reminder that success is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. We’ve laid a strong foundation this year, and we’ll carry the lessons learned into next season.
For anyone striving towards a long-term goal—whether in sports, fitness, or life—the message is the same: give your best effort in the moment, but keep your eyes on where you want to go. It’s not about being perfect every day; it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and trusting that, with time, the results will follow.
Here’s to a well-deserved off-season, some rest, and (I can’t actually believe I’m saying this) coming back stronger next year.
See you in the gym,
Michael.
