Qualifications

• Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Hons), University of Ballarat 
• Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education, Federation University 
• PhD, Federation University

Areas of interest

• Strength and conditioning 
• Post-activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) 
• Youth athletic development 
• Force plate data analysis 

Areas of expertise

Mathew has expertise in developing strength and conditioning research that has practical implications for athletes and coaches. He has completed research on improving speed-strength qualities through complex training. He has a specific interest in jump metrics using force plates and how they can be used to monitor both performance and athlete fatigue.

Grants

• O’Grady, M., Aughey, R., Worn, R., & Talpey, S. (2026–2029). “Reimagining Youth Athletic Development: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Co-designed Game- and Constraint-Based Approaches in a Private Strength and Conditioning Setting.” Industry embedded PhD scholarship with Federation University and Melbourne Athletic. ($170,000) 
• Aughey, R., O’Grady, M., & Worn, R. (2026–2029). “Bridging the distance: Using sport technology to enhance high-performance pathways for rural athletes.” Industry embedded PhD scholarship with Federation University and WestVic Academy of Sport. ($170,000). 
• O’Grady, M & O’Brien, B. (2025–2028). “Investigation into physical measurements throughout the different stages of the rehabilitation process of an anterior-cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.” Industry embedded PhD scholarship with Federation University and RAD centre. ($163,000) 
• O’Brien, B., Lindsey, R., Worn, R., O’Grady, M., Beseler, B. (2023–2026).” Contemporary pedagogical strategies and training load maintenance to optimize strength gains and training program enjoyment in secondary school students.” St Josephs College. ($183,000). 

Current

• PhD student, Federation University, 'Investigation into physical measurements throughout the different stages of the rehabilitation process of an anterior-cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture', principal supervisor.  
• PhD student, Federation University, 'Reimagining Youth Athletic Development: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Co-designed Game- and Constraint-Based Approaches in a Private Strength and Conditioning Setting', principal supervisor. 
• PhD student, Federation University, 'Bridging the distance: Using sport technology to enhance high-performance pathways for rural athletes', co-supervisor. 
• PhD student, Federation University, 'Contemporary pedagogical strategies and training load maintenance to optimize strength gains and training program enjoyment in secondary school students', co-supervisor. 
• PhD student, Federation University, 'Elite athlete perceptions of effective strength and conditioning coach-athlete relationships', co-supervisor. 

• Foundations of exercise programming and prescription 
• Introduction to biomechanics 
• Physical preparation for sport 

Specialist roles

• Strength and Conditioning Coordinator at WestVic Academy of Sport  

Professional association memberships

• Australian Strength & Conditioning Association