High performance expert David Buttifant details how clubs should prepare for short turnarounds

The AFL approved five-day breaks for the first time this season. What should Western Bulldogs and Sydney do next week? David Buttifant tells SAM LANDSBERGER the tricks of the trade.

David Buttifant watches over Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.

Coaches as well as players are at risk of fatigue after four or five-day breaks as some clubs grapple with short turnarounds for the first time.

Western Bulldogs and Sydney must front up five days after their Round 3 games this weekend, while Richmond and Melbourne will do battle on Anzac Day Eve four days after their Round 5 matches.

High performance expert David Buttifant said the challenge wasn’t only physical and said clubs should enjoy “a little bit of frivolity” to stay fresh.

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“There might be a bit more emphasis on yoga or meditation or they might go to a different venue, reduce meeting times and things like that,” Buttifant said.

“If you do too much, they can go in mentally fatigued.

“It’s holistic — the psychological and the physiological are so closely connected.

“That’s why it’s not just the players, it’s actually the coaches and staff as well that need to be able to have a bit of a breather and regroup.”

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse (right) at training with David Buttifant in 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch

Buttifant — who spent 13 years at Collingwood during 20 seasons in the AFL — helped the Magpies engineer a 10-game winning streak in 2012 starting with a four-day turnaround before Anzac Day.

Training loads are lightened, but it is the next weeks that present more problems.

“That’s when (with) residual fatigue they can become more predisposed to injuries,” Buttifant said.

“Common sense is to communicate — speak to the athlete and see where they’re at and how they’re coping.”

Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen (ankle) was close to returning for the Dogs tomorrow, although next week’s five-day break was likely a factor in holding him back.

Excluding Anzac Day games, five-day breaks were prohibited until this season.

But the AFL Players’ ­Association approved one per team to enable more Thursday night games.

Buttifant, co-founder at Resilience Builders, said extended breaks also needed planning.

“It’s not just in footy. We need an opportunity to recharge our batteries,” he said.

“It could be just getting back to family and reconnecting, that could be enough.”