The Tasmania Football Club has welcomed Nathan Buckley’s appointment as an assistant coach at Geelong, describing the move as a “very positive step” should the former Collingwood boss return to AFL senior coaching ranks in the future.
Buckley, who has been out of the coaching box since 2021, will join Chris Scott’s staff for the 2026 season after months of speculation about his next move.
His decision effectively pauses ongoing discussions with Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale, who had been in talks with Buckley about leading the expansion club when it joins the AFL in 2028.
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Devils see Buckley’s move as a step forward
In a statement, the Tasmania Football Club congratulated Buckley on his appointment and hinted that the door remains open for future collaboration.
“Tasmania Football Club acknowledges and congratulates Nathan Buckley on his appointment to Geelong Football Club,” the club said. “It is great to see individuals of Nathan’s calibre back coaching, and if he wishes to coach at AFL level again, we see this as a very positive step.”
The 2003 Brownlow medallist had also been in contention for Melbourne’s senior role before the Demons appointed former Geelong assistant Steven King in September.
Geelong’s football boss Andrew Mackie said Buckley had shown “a strong appetite to return to coaching,” adding: “We are excited to add Nathan to our club and more specifically to our coaching group. He is respected and highly regarded across the football industry and brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.”
For now, Buckley’s focus shifts to Kardinia Park, but the prospect of seeing him at the helm of the AFL’s newest club down the line remains very much alive.