After completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Honours at Curtin University, Lachlan gained hands-on experience in strength and conditioning gyms and the WAFL system before deciding to pursue a PhD. He chose La Trobe for its strong ties to industry and the opportunity to develop his academic and practical career simultaneously.
“The PhD gave me a way to stay involved in elite sport while building a future in research and teaching,” says Lachlan.
His research with Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre, La Trobe, investigates how locomotive training is prescribed in elite junior Australian football. While data collection is still underway, the project aims to develop frameworks and metrics that help performance staff tailor training to their team’s needs — particularly useful for early-career coaches transitioning into professional environments.
“Having experienced the challenges of prescribing training as a new performance coach, I am passionate about supporting others making that same transition from university into applied roles,” said Lachlan.
Relocating from Perth to Bendigo was one of Lachlan’s biggest personal challenges, but the support from La Trobe, the Pioneers, and his partner Jess made all the difference.
Recently, Lachlan shared his work in La Trobe Rural Health School’s 3-Minute Thesis competition, where he highlighted the complexity of training design and the need for evidence-based practice in sport. He will represent LRHS in the La Trobe University 3MT Championship on September 5 where he will compete for $4,000 research support funds: 3MT® competition, Researchers, La Trobe University
“I hope people came away with a better understanding of how important applied sport research is — and how it can directly impact athlete performance and coaching practices,” says Lachlan.
