PROKICK australia team
Nathan Chapman - Head Punting Coach & Prokick Australia Owner/Founder
Nathan Chapman brings a wealth of elite-level experience to Prokick Australia. A former AFL professional, Nathan played 8 years at the highest level with the Brisbane Bears/Lions (1993–1997) and Hawthorn Hawks (1998–2000). In 2004, he transitioned to American football, signing a contract with the NFL's Green Bay Packers.
In 2007, Nathan founded Prokick Australia with a clear mission: to develop world-class punters and prepare them for the high-pressure demands of U.S. college football and beyond. As Head Punting Coach, he leads all aspects of technical training and performance preparation.
“My role is to get the most out of each student’s ability and give them the tools to perform in a high-pressure environment. But most of all, my job is to get them educated.”
Over the last 17 years, Nathan has helped hundreds of athletes chase ambitious goals, with many going on to earn scholarships, degrees, and professional opportunities.
“To help players chase a goal and be part of that journey has been amazing — and continues to be a privilege.”
John Smith - Head Kicking Coach & Academic Owner
John Smith has been a part of the Prokick Australia team since 2007, bringing decades of experience in both kicking and education.
A former NFL and CFL free agent kicker in the 1980s, John continued to compete at a high level well into his 40s — representing Victoria at the 2008 National Championships, and being selected as the placekicker for the 2009 Australian national team at the age of 47.
As Head Kicking Coach, John leads the technical development of field goal and kickoff specialists within Prokick . His focus is not just on technique, but on consistency, preparation, and performance under pressure.
In addition to his role at Prokick Australia, John owns and operates a separate academic entity that oversees and manages all educational requirements for our athletes. This ensures a fully integrated approach to both athletic and education outcomes.
John’s integrated approach helps athletes succeed in their transition to U.S. college football, combining expert coaching with and academic knowledge.
If you want to see passion for the job, come see Johnny at work!!!
MORE ABOUT OUR COACHES....
Tim Gleeson - Melbourne, VIC
Tim Hutchinson - Brisbane, QLD
Tim Gleeson - Melbourne, VIC
PUNTING COACH/RECRUITMENT
Tim Gleeson brings valuable insight and lived experience to the coaching team, drawing on five years as a U.S. college punter and a strong academic track record.
He began his Prokick journey in 2010, earning a scholarship and going on to play at the University of Wyoming, Santa Barbara Junior College, and Rutgers University. During his collegiate career, Tim earned Special Teams Player of the Week awards, Freshman All-American accolades, Conference honors, and All-Academic awards, including a 4.0 GPA Dean’s List award in 2015.
Returning to Australia in 2021, Tim has become an integral part of the Prokick coaching program. His deep understanding of punting technique, academic expectations, and the U.S. college football landscape makes him a trusted mentor for athletes preparing to take the next step.
Tom Hornsey - Geelong, VIC
Tim Hutchinson - Brisbane, QLD
Tim Gleeson - Melbourne, VIC
PUNTING COACH
Tom Hornsey is the head coach in Geelong, where he continues to develop high-quality Division 1 punters with precision and professionalism.
Tom had a standout college career at the University of Memphis, quickly becoming a key figure during the program’s building years. He finished his collegiate career with an impressive 43.1-yard average and made history as the first Prokick athlete to win the prestigious Ray Guy Award in 2013, recognising him as the top punter in U.S. college football.
Following college, Tom spent two pre-seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, gaining invaluable experience at the highest level of the sport.
Tom’s calm, detail-focused coaching style has made him a leader in athlete development, consistently preparing punters for the rigours of U.S. college football and beyond.
Tim Hutchinson - Brisbane, QLD
Tim Hutchinson - Brisbane, QLD
Tim Hutchinson - Brisbane, QLD
PUNTING COACH
Tim Hutchison leads Prokick Australia’s full-time coaching program in Brisbane, bringing experience, energy, and a proven track record of success to Queensland’s athletes.
After a career in professional AFL with North Melbourne, Tim joined the Prokick program in 2010, making the transition to American football. His talent and work ethic earned him an opportunity in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Since returning to Queensland in 2020, Tim has works with a strong base of students in the region, utilising his focused and disciplined coaching approach.
Now a core part of the Prokick team, Tim is committed to developing athletes who are technically sharp, mentally prepared, and ready to thrive in the college football environment.
Max Duffy - Perth, WA
Tim Hutchinson - Brisbane, QLD
PUNTING COACH
Max Duffy is the newest edition to its Prokick Coaches heading up the Perth base.
Max was a professional AFL player for the Fremantle dockers and was drafted in 2021.
After his AFL he trained with Prokick and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Kentucky.
Boasting a stellar career, max became Kentucky's all-time leading punter averaging a massive 46 yards per punt,
He then went on to win the RAY GUY award in 2019 with an average of 48.1 yards.
Max earned a mini camp with the Denver Broncos in the NFL and was also drafted in the CFL to the Toronto Argonauts.
James Stefanou - Melbourne, VIC
KICKING COACH
James Stefanou brings specialist kicking knowledge, drawing on his unique journey from elite soccer to U.S. college football.
Before making his mark in the U.S., James had a successful background in high-level soccer, playing with South Melbourne. His technical ability and powerful leg made for a seamless transition into American football.
He went on to become the place kicker for the University of Colorado Buffaloes, where he was known for his accuracy, composure, and leadership, quickly becoming a standout performer.
Now coaching with Prokick, James works closely with aspiring place kickers, helping them refine their technique and prepare mentally and physically for the demands of college football in the United States.
Jordy Pollard
Pulse8 Trainer
HEAD STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
Jordy enters his 3rd year of training the Prokick athletes.
Trusted to provide and guide a program that develops all our payers no matter where they are in their strength journey.
Getting our students ready for College football from a physical standpoint is so important and Jordy has excelled in this area.
Liz Quinn - Melbourne & Interstate
HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH
Liz brings a wealth of experience from elite sport and the military, offering athletes access to high-performance strategies that build mental toughness, discipline, and resilience.
She is available to support Prokick members as they navigate the physical and mental demands of their journey, but it’s up to each athlete to take advantage of the opportunity.
Liz’s guidance is there for those who want to raise their standards and maximise their performance, both on and off the field.
Her structure and high standards make her a vital part of the team, helping athletes unlock their full potential both on and off the field.
Catch us on Instagram:
Prokick Australia - https://www.instagram.com/prokickaustralia/?hl=en
Geelong - https://www.instagram.com/prokickaustralia_geelong/?hl=en
Brisbane - https://www.instagram.com/prokickaustralia_brisbane/?hl=en
Perth - https://www.instagram.com/prokickaustralia_perth/?hl=en
Sydney - https://www.instagram.com/prokickaustralia_sydney/?hl=en
Place Kicking - https://www.instagram.com/prokickaustralia_placekicking/?hl=en