Former champion Collingwood coach and player Nathan Buckley has joined Geelong as an assistant coach for the 2026 AFL season.
Following a decorated playing career of 280 games, Buckley transitioned into coaching, first joining Collingwood’s coaching panel as an assistant coach in 2010 before taking on the senior role in 2012.
Across his 10-year coaching career, Buckley guided the Magpies through five finals campaigns, including two preliminary finals as well as taking them to the 2018 grand final.
For the past four years Buckley has worked in the media as a commentator, providing analysis on the game through his roles with Fox Footy and SEN.
Geelong executive general manager of football Andrew Mackie said the Club is pleased to welcome Bukley to an experienced coaching group.
“We are excited to add Nathan to our club and more specifically to our coaching group,” he said.
“He is respected and highly regarded across the football industry and brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.
“In speaking with Nathan, it was clear he had a strong appetite to return to coaching, and we look forward to welcoming him to our football program to work closely with our players and staff.”
Meanwhile, as AFLW Pride Round continues to bring the football community together in Round 10, all 18 AFLW captains have voiced the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone at the footy.
Reflecting the core of this year’s AFLW Pride Round theme – See you be you, at the W – the captains spoke from the heart in a new video about why it’s important for everyone to be themselves in the football community.
Geelong’s Meg McDonald described diversity as “the best thing about being a human being”, and Melbourne skipper Kate Hore stated “we all have a role to play as allies”.
