High-Performance Strategist | Human Performance Expert Global Speaker & Educator
My career has been built on high standards, relentless curiosity, and a deep belief in human potential. I’ve always been driven by a singular passion: uncovering what it takes for humans to achieve elite performance.
My journey in elite sport has seen me prepare athletes and teams at the highest level, with six premierships, over 600 games, and leadership roles at Essendon, Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and Carlton football clubs, during which I helped prepare and guide 53 All-Australian players, and 4 Brownlow Medalists to peak performance.
Beyond the football field, I’ve also had the privilege of coaching world-class athletes including 4-time Olympian and Australian 1000m record holder Jeff Riseley to a World Championship semi-final in the 800m, and currently coaching 5000m Australian athlete Seth O'Donnell.
My philosophy is holistic and deeply personal. High performance isn't just about training harder - it is also about leading smarter. True high performance isn’t just about winning, it’s about sustained success, purpose-driven leadership, and a commitment to growth.
My approach integrates -
The Science of Human Performance – combining physiology, neuroscience, and psychology to optimise performance.
High-Performance Mindset & Leadership – Building mental resilience, confidence, and influence in high-pressure environments.
Authentic, Real-World Experience – I've lived the highs and lows of elite sport, which has influenced my coaching style to be deeply practical and results driven.
Creating Lasting Impact – Whether on the field, in the office, or in life, my work is about building sustainable success, not just short-term gains.
Leadership, Mindset & Performance Solutions
Elite Humans is a high performance coaching experience designed to take individuals and teams beyond the ordinary.
This program takes the science and art behind elite human performance and distils it into actionable principles that drive real transformation. Whether you are an executive, a high-performing team, or an individual looking to optimise your potential in high-stakes environments, this program is your blueprint for success.
This comprehensive 12-week program is built to enhance speed, endurance, and overall conditioning, ideal for team sport preparation, or any athlete wanting to develop elite training habits and get into great physical and psychological shape.
Structured in 3 distinct phases, this scientifically driven program sets the ultimate foundation to reach your specific personal goals.
Developed by Andrew Russell, the program approach has played a key role in shaping the careers of 53 All Australians, Coleman and Brownlow Medallists, and Premiership winners, to name just a few.
Great teams don’t just happen - they are built through leadership, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence. Whether you need a high-impact keynote speaker to inspire your audience or a tailored team performance session to unlock potential, Andrew brings decades of elite sport, leadership, and high-performance expertise to every engagement.
Success - whether in elite sport, business, or life - comes down to mastering the blend of physiology, psychology, and neuroscience. It’s not just about pushing harder; it’s about thinking smarter, recovering better, and performing consistently under pressure.
With decades of experience at the forefront of high performance, Andrew offers tailored 1:1 sessions to help you unlock potential and elevate outcomes—on the field, in the boardroom, or anywhere performance matters.
These sessions are open to anyone committed to growth, including:
Professionals navigating high-stakes decisions or transitions
Athletes chasing the next level of performance
Leaders wanting to sharpen their edge and lead with clarity
S&C coaches and practitioners with a burning question, or simply curious to understand how Andrew achieved sustained success at the elite level
Anyone feeling stuck and ready for meaningful change
"There’s no doubt that working with Andrew put me in the best frame of mind to succeed. His strategies around visualisation, breathing, and managing pressure helped me feel calm, confident, and fully prepared when it mattered most. Thanks to Andrew’s support, I successfully passed my Physical Aptitude Test and couldn’t be more grateful that I made that call."
– James Nicholson
These sessions are designed to complement the online programs available, but they’re open to anyone seeking expert guidance on their current approach.
You’ll talk me through what you’re doing — no need to send detailed plans — and I’ll offer tailored advice based on your goals, routine, and what’s working (or not). If you're not sure which online program suits you best, I can help with that too.
This is a conversation, not a deep dive. If ongoing coaching or a more in-depth review is needed, we can discuss longer-term options.
From past AFL premiership players
4x AFL premiership player (2008, 2013,14,15), 3x AFL premiership captain, 2x Norm Smith medallist, 3x All Australian player and Channel 7 personality.
"I first met Jack (Andrew) as a raw 20-year-old kid. I had just finished my 3rd season of football at the Hawthorn Football Club. I had the ability but lacked the work ethic and dedication to be a great player at that stage of my career. That was soon to change.
First came the confronting conversations. Followed by a bit of resentment, and then came the trust. Jack invested countless hours into teaching and passing on his knowledge so that I could live up to my potential.
It didn’t come easy, but he taught me the mindset required to succeed, how to get the best out of yourself, and that you can always push harder than your mind tells you. Most importantly, he taught me how to be a professional athlete, and he instilled in me that it’s what is done away from peering eyes; it’s the unseen commitment to your profession that makes you go from good to great.
It’s not a 9am-5pm job, it’s a 24 hour commitment.
Fast forward 13 years, when I walked out of the footy club's doors, I had achieved everything that I could have dreamt of. Without meeting Jack as that kid, I doubt I would have accomplished what I did".
"Andrew has had one of the most significant impacts on my career. He has taught and challenged me in many ways to get the best out of myself as an athlete, a leader, and a person.
He has a broad range of knowledge and experience in human performance, both from a physical and psychological perspective. His greatest strength is reading what each individual needs and adjusting to achieve peak performance.
He is a great mate and mentor to me."
"In a team sport, Andrew would always individualise training so everyone could perform at their peak. The added bonus was that he is an incredible mind coach, especially when individuals are being challenged with soreness and injury.
We won a premiership in 2008 at Hawthorn Football Club through his management of players' bodies and a myriad of off-field challenges that players faced. He has the ability to read the player, adapt what they need physically and mentally, and shift their focus to positive outcomes."
"Jack has profoundly impacted my football career and continues to do so. I had my personal best seasons in 2017 & 2018 (2x All Australian seasons, Brownlow 2018) on the back of his ability to prepare me physically.
Jack is a great mentor in life. He genuinely cares for people and has helped me overcome many challenges in my life. This reduction in anxiety and stress also translates to higher performance on the field.
Jack is all in. You won’t find someone as dedicated as he is. I’m grateful to call him a friend and have a relationship where I can continue to tap into his expertise."
"Some people are owed special thanks. With all I've been through and the unknown of some of my recoveries, I am incredibly grateful for Jack's expertise, care and the time invested in me.
In my opinion, nobody understands high performance better and through consistent feedback, both challenging and supportive, Jack has made me a better leader, athlete and person.
Sometimes, we forget that there are people behind the roles in football that have a real-life impact on us as players. I'm lucky to have had Jack guide me through the past 6 years and single-handedly has had one of the most significant influences on me as a person and player."
"Jack played a pivotal role in my football career. Without him, I couldn’t see myself playing 100 games, let alone 407 AFL games.
Jack helped guide me, mentor me, and helped to instil the professionalism in me that I needed throughout my football journey. He supported me in developing my own personal standards.
Throughout my football journey, there were many obstacles to overcome along the way, such as expectations, losses, injuries and surgeries, to name a few. Still, I could always rely on Guddha (my nickname for Jack) to give me the best advice not only for me as an athlete but more importantly for me as a person which I’m truly grateful for."
"I met Andrew, or 'Jack' as we affectionately call him, when I was 18 and a first-year player at Port Adelaide in the AFL. He played a pivotal role in shaping me to have the successful career that I always dreamed of. He instilled in me the elite habits and resilience necessary to prepare both my body and mind for the challenges of competing at the highest level of sport. Jack’s vast knowledge made him the go-to person for all things related to endurance, speed, strength, nutrition, injury management, and recovery.
What truly set Jack apart was his willingness to get his hands dirty. He was always ready to stretch, massage, or personally assist his players whenever needed. His office door was always open. He led by example - there wasn’t a single physical challenge he asked of his players that he wouldn’t take on himself.
Jack’s passion, care, enthusiasm, and unwavering confidence in his methods are qualities I deeply admire. His conviction in his beliefs and dedication to helping others succeed are truly inspiring. If you’re looking to become a high performer and maximise your potential, Jack is the person who will guide you to reach your goals."