Players need to be strong enough to win contests, absorb contact and repeat efforts for over two hours, without carrying weight that slows them down. Most elite AFL players are not chasing powerlifting numbers. They train to produce force quickly, brace under pressure and stay durable across a long season. That is why AFL programs prioritise compound lifts, sprint mechanics, core strength and repeat power rather than pure max lifts. In simple terms, strength in AFL is about what you can do while moving, not what you can lift once.

Based on what we could find and club data, Gehrig leads the list at 172.5 kg, followed by a group of players who all sit at levels that would be impressive even outside football. Brent Staker, Levi Casboult and Joel Wilkinson are all reported at 160 kg, with Jonathan Brown close behind at 157.5 kg. Jack Viney at 155 kg and Luke McGuane and Mike Pyke at 150 kg show how strength cuts across different positions. Brett Deledio and Daniel Merrett round out the top ten at 145 kg. For comparison, a 122 kg bench press already places a recreational lifter well above average, even without elite conditioning demands.