Defining the Role of the High Performance Manager in Professional Team Sport: Perceptions From HPMs in AFL Football

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ABSTRACT: Gastin, PB. Defining the role of the high performance manager in professional team sport: Perceptions from HPMs in AFL football. J Strength Cond Res 40(3): e256-e263, 2026-The role of the high performance manager (HPM) has become increasingly vital in professional team sports, yet little is known about how this role is operationalized within specific sporting contexts. In the Australian Football League (AFL), every club now uses an HPM. This study aimed to examine the professional background, roles, and responsibilities of HPMs in the AFL, and to identify key themes that define their contributions to athlete performance and organizational success. Using a mixed-methods approach, 14 of the 18 AFL HPMs participated in an online survey and a semistructured interview. Quantitative data captured demographics, qualifications, work allocations, and responsibilities, while qualitative data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify role-specific themes. Subjects were highly experienced and qualified, with a mean of 17.9 years in high performance sport and 9.8 years in roles with management responsibilities. Seven key themes emerged: Athlete Development and Performance, Program Development and Execution, Standards and Expectations, Integration and Collaboration, Leadership and Management, Strategic Alignment, and Helping Others Succeed . Leadership and integration were considered central to their role. High performance managers in the AFL occupy senior leadership roles requiring a unique blend of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. High performance managers predominantly managed physical preparation, recovery, rehabilitation, and nutrition services, with varying oversight of different aspects across other disciplines. Their work is crucial to aligning multidisciplinary support systems with strategic football objectives. These findings offer insights for the development of HPM roles in other professional sport settings.

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