Renowned high-performance boss leaves door ajar for AFL return

After signing as director of performance at Juventus late in 2025, Darren Burgess has not ruled out a move back to the AFL.

Having developed a reputation as one of the most successful fitness bosses in world sport after successful stints at Arsenal, Liverpool, Port Adelaide, Melbourne and Adelaide, Burgess said his love for the AFL environment could see him return.

"[The AFL] is one of the best competitions in the world to work in for people with my sort of background,” Burgess told Zero Hanger. 

"I loved my time there… and I could certainly see myself back there."

While highlighting the 'volatility' of European soccer and how quickly the landscape can shift, Burgess expressed his desire to remain abroad for the long haul. 

"You just never know what happens in the future, it's a pretty volatile environment European football," he said.

"I'm hoping I'm here for a while, because that means we've been successful. But you always have to be realistic about the roles you take.

"It's a high-pressure, high-stakes environment and you sign a contract knowing the risks."

With his new role at Juventus consisting mainly of leadership and strategy, Burgess admits he misses the day-to-day relationship building in an AFL environment.

"I do miss the interaction with the players, but I'm enjoying the change," Burgess said.

"I really enjoyed the boys sitting in my office talking about anything and everything."

Despite leaving the door ajar for an AFL return, Burgess said he is excited by the challenge of working for an organisation like Juventus.

"I'm certainly enjoying the fact I'm involved in a big club competing in the Champions League, and all that comes with that, it's a fair bit of pressure with what's at stake for a club like Juventus."