Keeping AFL footballers in top health is no easy feat. Players put their bodies under enormous pressure week-in, week-out, so it's important for clubs to monitor their team's physiological well-being.

For those who work in the industry, it’s a high-pressure and demanding field that requires an analytical mind and a meticulous work ethic.

Carlton’s Courtney Sullivan – who spends half her week as Carlton’s Assistant Physiologist, and the other half as the Conditioning Coach for the Northern Blues - exemplifies those qualities. 

When Sullivan is working with the seniors, you'll most likely find her behind a computer screen – collecting and analysing data. 

Sullivan manages the players’ bloods, physiological testing, hydration and nutrition. 

Number crunching may not be glamorous, but Sullivan says it's one of the more important aspects of her role.

"We're all about data. Collecting quality data is paramount to managing training loads for the players."

"We then provide that data to the High Performance Manager, who will make decisions for the players based on what we tell him."

Meanwhile, as Conditioning Coach for the Northern Blues, Sullivan attends all of the team’s training and match days. 

She says she enjoys the hands-on approach to the role, and having more direct involvement with the team. 

"That's what I really enjoy about the Northern Blues, I walk onto the track and it's a different experience."

Managing both roles can be challenging, with Sullivan working up to 12-hours a day.

But she says the challenging and dynamic nature of her job keeps it interesting.

"Every week it changes – no week is the same. It's always based around what day the game is on.

"You have to have a sense of humour. It's a high-pressured environment, so it's great to work with people that allow me to be myself.

"You can be expressive in this role. When you have to switch on, you switch on. But apart from that, you have to be able to enjoy yourself - it's a long year."