Lessons from Down Under in winning the S&C battle during a Covid season

Galway man Michael O’Donnell was Strength and Conditioning coordinator for preliminary AFLW finalists Collingwood

The Collingwood Magpies take to the field during the AFLW Second Preliminary Final match against the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

It was not just on the field that the Irish were thriving in the AFLW last season. Ensuring preliminary finalists Collingwood could navigate a compromised and challenging campaign was Galway man and Strength and Conditioning coordinator Michael O’Donnell.

Australia was at the forefront of sport’s return. As such, it is a perfect case study that others can and should learn from. Transitioning through Covid restrictions, shortened preseasons and a condensed calendar were all obstacles that had to be overcome. The GAA faces similar conditions.