Tasmania is scheduled to become a member of the AFL in 2028, and its first coach is now being sought after.
The initial coaching post for the Tasmania Devils, who are scheduled to enter the AFL in 2028, has been linked to Collingwood veteran Nathan Buckley.
Though he has not publicly disclosed a chat with the Devils, Buckley is considered one of the top minds in the game and is likely to be considered for the position.
After resigning from the senior role at Collingwood in 2021, the Brownlow medallist transitioned into the media and would deny a return to the coaching ranks.
However, speaking on Fox Footy’s On the Couch, Buckley said there’s an “interest” in the club’s direction.
“I have interest in what that organisation is going to look like and how it’s going to come together, if there’s 100 steps, I haven’t even taken step one to understand it,” Buckley said in reply to Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall.
“I think it’s a very different proposition to the other 17 roles.”
Buckley admitted that no one had yet contacted him about the vacant position but would not vehemently rule out the potential return.
“Absolutely zero… the first I’d heard of it was reading it and there hasn’t been any discussion since. I’m pretty sure that there wouldn’t be anything floated until probably Brendan (Gale)’s out of that role and they start working out the next steps they’re going to take,” Buckley said.
“It’s something that I would like to have a look at and to learn more about, to understand more about whether there was a synergy there that was for the club’s benefit.
Buckley first joined the AFL competition when he was signed by the Brisbane Bears ahead of the 1993 season.
Playing in 20 games and being awarded the Rising Star, the South Australian opted for a move to Collingwood.
Stretching his career for another 14 seasons, Buckley quickly became a familiar name around the country as one of the game’s best players.
A Brownlow medal (2003), a Norm Smith medal (2002), seven All-Australians (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003), six Copeland Trophies (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003) and the captain of the Collingwood football club (1999-2007).
His resume had it all except for the elusive premiership.
In his playing career, Buckley would lose to a Brisbane dynasty in the grand finals in 2002 and 2003.
After retiring after 280 games in 2007, the hard-hitting right-footer took a year off before returning to the Pies in 2010 as a coach.
Buckley was instrumental in leading Collingwood to success as an assistant coach.
After Michael Malthouse took over as manager in 2012, the team saw a gradual downturn until an unexpected turn of events in 2018 that saw the Pies make it to the playoffs in the championship game once more.
West Coast defeated the Magpies by a score of five points, with Buckley vying for the Premiership Medallion.
The 51-year-old would still be much desired because a flag hasn’t made it into the possession of the contemporary champion.
Furthermore, Buckley appears to be the ideal choice, as Tasmania is anticipated to choose an accomplished coach to lead the team starting in 2028.
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