#29 Connection Beats Structure: Building Teams That Perform When It Matters Most, With Tom Cashin

Have you ever been in a team where the structure looks perfect on paper… but the connection is missing?This week I’m joined by Tom Cashin – Collingwood VFLW Head Coach and Head of Academy (AFLW) – for a raw, honest chat on what actually creates high-performing teams.We unpack Tom’s people-first coaching philosophy, why he wants athletes setting goals they’re not guaranteed to reach, and how to change your relationship with failure so it becomes growth (not defeat).Tom also breaks down his approach to movement mechanics and role-specific training – and why “quality reps over quantity reps” is the edge most athletes are missing.In this episode, we cover:Why teams can look “perfect” on paper but still lack real connectionThe coaching shift Tom made at Collingwood – from structure-first to connectedness-firstPsychological safety – how to create an environment where athletes play with freedomWhy athletes should set goals they might not reach (and why that’s the point)Reframing failure – separating performance from identityThe difference Tom noticed coaching boys vs coaching womenTraining with intent – quality reps over quantity repsRole-specific development: training for what your position actually demandsWhy aligning AFL and AFLW game days could accelerate women’s sportWhat Tom would tell his younger self (and what he hopes for his daughter)Resources + linksFollow 4TG on socials @4tg_podcast & subscribe on YouTubeWebsite: https://4tg.com.au/Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/4tg_podcast ☕Tom Cashin (Movement Mechanics): @cashinmovementmechanicsBuy Tom's Cashin Movement Mechanics Performance DashboardSupport the showABOUT THE HOSTKylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.Connect with Kylie:Instagram: @kylie__lynchLinkedIn: Kylie LynchWebsite: www.4tg.com.auEmail: [email protected] THE 4TG COMMUNITY4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.Instagram: @4tg_podcastTikTok: ...