Melbourne Athletic was built on a simple belief that every athlete deserves access to the same systems, support and standards that elite programs are built on. Founded in Melbourne’s West, we set out to create more than just a gym. We wanted a true high-performance environment where athletes at every level could train, recover and develop under one roof, supported by a team of specialists who are as invested in their success as they are. Our coaches bring over 70 years of combined experience across State and National pathways from AFL Vic and Netball Vic to the VFL and that depth of knowledge shapes everything we do. We don’t do one-size-fits-all programming. We build individual systems for individual athletes, because real results come from understanding the person, not just the sport. Melbourne Athletic is where Melbourne’s best athletes come to train and where the next generation comes to become them.
Combining over 70+ years of coaching experience including State & National pathways, our coaches are focussed are providing the best coaching, programming and environment for athletes to excel.
Michael
Michael is our Head of Rehabilitation and Co-Owner of Melbourne Athletic. Michael heads our Rehabilitation programs and works closely with Physiotherapist’s to ensure our athletes are returning to sport stronger, fitter and faster than pre-injury. Having had experience in State Academies & Programs such as AFL Vic, Netball Vic and the VFL, Michael has a strong focus on Biomechanics and Strength training to achieve results.
Qualifications
✓ Masters of High-Performance Sport
✓ Bachelor of Exercise Science & Human Movement
✓ ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning
Justin
Justin is one of our head S&C coaches with three years of experience working with both youth and professional athletes. With a Clinical Exercise Science bachelor degree, Justin then pursued his passion for sport through the completion of a Master’s of Strength & Conditioning. Justin has worked as a Strength & Rehabilitation coach both at VFL and NAB League level with the Werribee and Western Jets Football clubs.
Qualifications
✓ Masters of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning)
✓ ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning
✓ Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
✓ ESSA Ex. Scientist
Matt
Matt is an ex NPL level football (soccer) player with overseas experience as well. Now in the coaching space, Matt has worked with a range of field, court, and combat athletes at junior and state representative levels. Matt has also worked with Canberra United in the A League Women’s competition as a strength & conditioning coach, and is the current head strength & conditioning coach at Manningham United Blues Football Club.
Qualifications
✓ Masters Degree in Strength & Conditioning
✓ Bachelors Degree in Sport & Exercise Science
✓ Associate Level 2 ASCA Coach
Darren
Darren has extensive coaching experience, working in a variety of roles over past 9 years. He is currently the Head of Strength and Conditioning at George Cross Football Club and has worked with a variety of clientele and athletes in senior and junior representative competitions in field, court and fighting sports. Darren also teaches strength and conditioning at high school through a dedicated S&C program. Along with vast experience, Darren has completed a double bachelor degree in Exercise Science and Psychology as well as Master in Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning). Darren is also a Level 2 Australian Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Qualifications
✓ Bachelor of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning)
✓ Bachelor of Psychological Studies
✓ Masters of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning)
✓ ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach
Keisha
Keisha graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy) and has worked in a clinical setting with a variety of clientele, managing a variety of conditions from chronic pain to return to play post-injury.
Since moving into the coaching space, Keisha has been working in the private sector with a variety of athletes looking to better their performance or return from injury, as well as AFL pathways for the past 5 seasons and is currently the
Head of Strength & Conditioning for the Western Jets girls program.
Qualifications
✓ Bachelor Health Science (Myotherapy)
✓ Level 1 ASCA
Discover a High Performance Facility designed specifically for Athletes, with the most up to date Performance/Sport Science, Recovery & Private Health services.
Our holistic model allows athletes to access multiple services to improve performance week to week – working collectively using Physio, Myo, Dietitian & S&C Coaches to collaboratively get the best outcomes for our athletes.
Physio
Dietitian
Recovery
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To get the tap on the shoulder from Michael and Justin, it definitely drives you and gives you a bit more motivation. So I think that was a bit of a turning point for me to get drafted. -
In the AFL academy I hit a max PB of 9.5m/s but it's all credit to Melbourne Athletic and the work they put into me. I don't go a day without texting Michael about anything going on, whether I've got an injury or feeling unfit. I'm always texting him and he is always responding. I've got a dream to play AFL, and if I do get there i'll be repaying a lot to Melbourne Athletic because they have done a lot for me.
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The hardest things about skiing is the power of the boat, since being at Melbourne Athletic I've been able to hold onto it a lot more. I've improved by 5m the last year in jump and that's all thanks to Melbourne Athletic. Generally gyms are male dominated but here it's not like that, everyone makes you feel comfortable and welcome and we all get around eachother.
