Summary of Podcast Episode #34 Unlocking Athletic Potential: Youth Strength Training & Mindset with Dan Greenslade (AFL Women's S&C Coach)

Ann-Marie Antic • July 7, 2025

Summary of Podcast Episode #34 Unlocking Athletic Potential: Youth Strength Training & Mindset with Dan Greenslade (AFL Women's S&C Coach)

In the latest episode of the D8 Training Podcast, Ann-Marie Antic sits down with Dan Greenslade, D8 Training’s very own Strength and Performance Coach, who also works with the Port Adelaide Women’s AFL team.


Dan’s story is one of persistence, passion, and practical learning — offering valuable lessons for athletes, parents, and aspiring coaches alike. From starting as a high school student with a love for sport to landing a role in elite women’s football, his journey showcases what’s possible when drive meets opportunity.

Starting Early: From High School to High Performance

Dan discovered his love for sport in Year 12, deciding early on that he wanted to work within the industry. He went on to study a Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Activity at Flinders University, where hands-on placements shaped his coaching path.


One standout moment? Being thrust into the role of strength and conditioning coach for the South Adelaide Football Club under-16s team. It was a big responsibility — and Dan embraced it. That experience solidified his desire to coach and set the foundation for his future in elite sport.

From LinkedIn Connection to AFLW Contract

Dan's story is also a powerful reminder of the role that networking and initiative play in career growth. Through LinkedIn, he connected with Anthony Galamarino from Port Adelaide, which led to an internship — and eventually a full-time contract with the club. His journey underscores the importance of building relationships and seeking out mentors in your field.


In his current role, Dan wears multiple hats — leading strength training, managing rehabilitation, and applying data analysis to support athlete performance and injury prevention. Working closely with elite AFLW athletes, he uses tools like GPS tracking to monitor training loads and movement patterns, ensuring each player’s program is tailored to their individual needs. This data-driven approach helps align training with the physical demands of competition, reducing the risk of injury and optimising performance. For Dan, it’s about being proactive, not reactive, and creating structured pathways that allow athletes to train smarter and stay on the field longer.

🧠 Mindset, Resilience & The Role of Feedback

A key theme of our conversation was the mindset shift required for young athletes. Dan noted that many come into elite environments with natural talent but may lack the discipline or resilience to sustain performance. His advice? Reinforce that feedback is a gift — not criticism. It’s a chance to improve, grow, and ultimately succeed.

Who Should Listen?

This episode is especially valuable for:

  • Anyone experiencing chronic pain or emotional triggers
  • Athletes and fitness lovers wanting to improve resilience
  • People interested in holistic health and healing
  • Anyone curious about acupuncture or alternative therapies

Why Strength Training Matters for Young Athletes

Dan is a strong advocate for introducing strength training from an early age. Teaching kids proper movement patterns and lifting techniques sets them up for long-term success, not just in sport, but in life. Strength training improves performance, enhances body awareness, and plays a vital role in injury prevention.

Coaching at D8 Training

Dan also shared his excitement about being part of the D8 Training team, where he works with athletes of all ages and abilities. His energy, expertise, and dedication to helping people reach their goals make him a standout coach and a valued part of the D8 community.

Tune in to this episode for:

  • A behind-the-scenes look at elite AFLW coaching
  • Advice for parents, athletes, and coaches
  • Practical ways to build stronger, more resilient athletes
  • An inspiring career journey from student to pro coach

Connect with Dan:

Looking for Strength Training for Kids at a Gym Near You?


At D8 Training, we specialise in strength training for kids, teens, and adults — right here in Adelaide. We're not just a gym — we're a community that helps young athletes build strong foundations, prevent injury, and develop the mindset needed to thrive in sport and life.


🎧 This episode dives into what it really takes to succeed — from expert coaching to smart training strategies.


Click to listen now, and if you find it helpful, please pass it on to a parent wanting to support their child’s athletic journey, a young athlete aiming to go pro, or a coach looking to grow.


This one’s packed with real-world tips and takeaways they can use straight away.

More Posts

How we keep your child safe in the gym: A behind the scenes look at JuniorGym

By Neven Antic • August 20, 2026
Learn how JuniorGym Academy ensures your child's safety with small groups & age-appropriate exercises. Join us for secure strength training!

Silent nutrition mistakes sabotaging your strength and fat loss

By Neven Antic • August 13, 2026
Identify silent nutrition mistakes affecting your strength & fat loss. Get expert coaching to enhance your fitness journey today!

Is your athlete overtrained or underprepared? How to tell the difference

By Neven Antic • August 6, 2026
Learn to identify overtraining vs. underpreparedness in young athletes. Book an Athlete Assessment & Testing session today!

Shift workers: How to train when your roster is all over the place

By Neven Antic • July 30, 2026
Nurses, ambos, police, hospitality, FIFO… lots of Adelaide adults don’t have a “normal” week.  That doesn’t mean you can’t train. It just means the plan for your adult strength training in Adelaide has to be built differently.

Everyday “tests” to see how strong you really are after 60

By Neven Antic • July 23, 2026
You don’t need gym numbers to know whether over 60s strength training in Adelaide would help. Here are 7 simple “everyday tests” we use with over 60s.  Try them and notice how they feel. Stand up from a chair without using your hands Climb a flight of stairs without pulling on the rail Carry two shopping bags from the car to the kitchen Get down to the floor and back up again safely Balance on one leg for 10 seconds Walk 400–500 m at a comfortable pace without stopping Pick up something from the floor without holding your breath If 3 or more of these feel shaky, slow or scary, balance and strength classes for seniors in Adelaide will likely help

What progress really looks like in your first 90 days at D8

By Neven Antic • July 15, 2026
A lot of adults expect: 10 kg weight loss Completely new body No more niggles  …in 4 weeks. That’s not how real, sustainable change works. Here’s what you can realistically expect in your first 90 days of strength training classes in Adelaide at D8.
More Posts

Need Help With Your Fitness or Health?

If you are stuck with your fitness or health and want to change that, then reach out to see if our 21Day KickStarter would be a good fit for you. We have helped 100's of clients improve their health and fitness and would love to find out more about your unique needs.

21-Day Kickstarter