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

Busy, kids, shift work: How Adelaide parents actually fit strength training in 2–3 hours a week

By Neven Antic • February 19, 2026
Most adults we coach at D8 are not sitting around wondering what to do with all their free time. They’re: Working full time Juggling kids’ sport and homework Trying to have some kind of life on weekends So “train 6 days a week and meal prep for 3 hours” is never going to happen. Here’s how we help Adelaide parents actually fit adult strength training in Adelaide into 2–3 hours a week.

Why more running isn’t fixing your athlete’s speed (and what actually does in 10 weeks)

By Neven Antic • February 11, 2026
When an athlete is stuck, the default advice is usually: “Do more running. Get fitter.” For a lot of 15–20 year old athletes in Adelaide, more running is not the answer.  Here’s why more conditioning isn’t fixing their speed, and what actually moves the needle in our athlete strength and conditioning Adelaide parents use for results.

The D8 6 Phase Fat Loss Ladder: How Adelaide adults lose 4–6 kg without another crash diet

By Neven Antic • February 5, 2026
Most adults we meet at D8 don’t need another extreme diet. They already know how to starve themselves for 4 weeks. The problem is: Weight piles back on Energy crashes Life gets in the way So we built the D8 6 Phase Fat Loss Ladder and our nutrition coaching in Adelaide to help Adelaide adults lose 4–6 kg in 12 weeks without another crash.

Over 60 in Adelaide? 7 strength myths that quietly steal your independence

By Neven Antic • January 28, 2026
f you’re over 60, you’ve probably been told:  “Be careful, you’re not as young as you used to be.” “Don’t lift anything heavy, you’ll hurt yourself.” The problem is, lots of well meaning advice like this quietly steals strength and independence. Let’s clear up 7 common myths we hear from Adelaide over 60s about over 60s strength training in Adelaide.

Why “I’ll just get fit first” keeps Adelaide adults stuck for years

By Neven Antic • January 21, 2026
“I’ll just get fit first, then I’ll join a proper gym.”  It sounds reasonable. It’s also one of the most common stories that keeps Adelaide adults stuck for years. Here’s why that thinking doesn’t work – and what to do instead.

From uncoordinated to confident: 5 signs your 10–15 year old needs more than school PE

By Neven Antic • January 14, 2026
If you’ve watched your 10–15 year old at sport or in the backyard and thought, “They just don’t move well,” you’re not alone. A lot of kids are:  Tall but uncoordinated Fast but weak Nervous in physical activities because they feel clumsy School PE and sport trainings help, but they rarely fix the underlying movement and strength gaps. Here are 5 signs your child needs more than PE – and could benefit from kids strength training in Adelaide.
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