Nathan Buckley Surprises Fans with New Assistant Coaching Role at Top Club

Nathan Buckley, the former coach of Collingwood, has taken a new role as an assistant coach at Geelong for the AFL season of 2026. This appointment marks Buckley’s return to coaching after his departure from Collingwood in mid-2021. Initially, he transitioned into the media sector, working for Fox Footy and SEN during his four-year hiatus.

Nathan Buckley’s Coaching Journey

The 53-year-old Buckley had recently been associated with the Tasmania Devils, where he was considered for the position of inaugural senior coach for their 2028 debut season. There had been speculation about his candidacy for the Melbourne coaching role as well, though it ultimately went to Steven King, a former assistant at Geelong.

Roles and Responsibilities

At Geelong, Buckley will have a full-time commitment as he joins the coaching staff under senior coach Chris Scott. Geelong’s football manager, Andrew Mackie, expressed enthusiasm about bringing Buckley on board, citing his reputation and extensive experience in the football industry. Mackie stated, “He is respected and highly regarded across the football industry and brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.”

• Buckley’s coaching career spans over a decade.
• He has led Collingwood to five finals series.
• His playing career includes the prestigious 2003 Brownlow Medal.

Background and Experiences

Buckley’s playing career was notable, featuring 280 games, alongside winning the Norm Smith Medal in the 2002 Grand Final despite a loss. After his playing days, he began coaching at Collingwood as an assistant in 2010 and became the senior coach in 2012. He led the team to significant achievements, including two preliminary finals and a Grand Final in 2018.

In 2021, Buckley stepped down as Collingwood’s head coach after round 13, with the team struggling at 3-9 and sitting in 16th place on the ladder. This departure was marked by considerable off-field pressures, including a controversial trade period and scrutiny from the “Do Better” report on historical racism. The end of his tenure was noted as a mutual decision.

Future Prospects

As Buckley embarks on this new chapter with Geelong, he may still have opportunities to engage with the media while contributing to the club’s development. His desire to return to coaching reflects his ongoing passion for the sport and dedication to nurturing future talent.