Western Bulldogs Strength and Conditioning Coach Andy Barnett will draw on 25 years of experience with  some of the world’s biggest sporting organisations - including the NFL’s New York Giants to prepare the playing list for the upcoming season.  

Unlike many other sports, AFL players need to combine all facets of conditioning to handle the load AFL presents, according to Barnett.

“The thing I love about working with the AFL athletes is that they bring it all – which is what I love about this sport,” Barnett said.

“So everything that I have done with any kind of athlete is brought together in one athlete here, it’s not just one dimension like the cardio training or the endurance training.

“You’ve got the endurance, you’ve got the power, you’ve got the speed, you’ve got the change of direction, you’ve got the upper body strength and it all comes together and it has been a lot of fun to work with – a lot of fun.”

Since joining the Bulldogs in November, Barnett has put a focus on building strength and size amongst the playing group, as well as an additional emphasis on increasing the player’s range of motion.

As the season draws near the importance will switch from strength to power, while also maximising speed - which will put them in good stead for game day.

“Our emphasis is going to shift a little bit we are going to shift it … to a lot more power and a little more speed emphasis,” he said.

“If they’re lifting a heavy weight now that is what we need, but as the season comes we will start to back the weight off a little bit and start… working more on how fast they can move the weight.”