Nathan Buckley Open to Inaugural Tasmania AFL Coaching Role

Former Collingwood champion and coach Nathan Buckley has declared he would accept the senior coaching position for the new Tasmania AFL team if offered the role. Buckley, currently an assistant coach at Geelong, made the comments during an appearance on the Footy and Friends podcast, where he also discussed previous coaching opportunities and his philosophy.

Interest in the Tasmania Devils Role

Speaking candidly, Buckley was direct about his interest in the inaugural role with the Tasmania Devils.

"I have openly said, I would take the Tassie job if it was offered to me right now."

He elaborated on the unique appeal of the position, stating, "I've got my head around that I think that would be an amazing journey to go on." Buckley noted that Tasmania officials "know where I'm at" regarding his interest and that they "have decisions to make."

Buckley's Coaching Philosophy

Buckley described a coaching purpose focused on holistic development rather than premiership success as the sole objective.

"My purpose isn't to win a premiership. My purpose would be to help people along their journey, (to) find out how good you can make an environment, how much you can support people."

He indicated that the monumental challenge of building a new team and culture in Tasmania "would tick that box" for his stated approach.

Previous Discussions with Melbourne

The former Collingwood coach referenced other recent senior coaching opportunities he did not pursue. Buckley confirmed the Melbourne Football Club approached him about their senior coaching vacancy last year.

He said of those discussions: "I just couldn't quite put that together." He added, "I made the point that it's not the first time I'll coach, but it will be the last."

Buckley described the process as a mutual evaluation of fit, stating he was "still kicking tires and working out whether it was something I wanted to do, as they were working out whether I was a legitimate candidate." Melbourne ultimately appointed Steven King as senior coach.

Path to Geelong

Buckley explained that his public comments about a potential return to coaching directly led to his current position at Geelong.

Following his discussions regarding Tasmania, he received a phone call from the Geelong Football Club. Buckley said the club asked, "It seems like you want to get back into coaching, do you want to come and work with us?"

He stated the arrangement was finalized quickly, noting, "Within six days after the phone call, we'd put it all together and we're in." Buckley joined Geelong as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026 season.

Career Background

Nathan Buckley has an extensive history in Australian Rules football.

• Playing Career: A former Collingwood captain, his accolades include the 2003 Brownlow Medal, the Norm Smith Medal, seven All-Australian selections, and six Copeland Trophies as Collingwood's best and fairest player.
• Coaching Career: He served as senior coach of Collingwood from 2012 to 2021, leading the team to a grand final in 2018.
• Media Work: Since concluding his tenure at Collingwood, Buckley has worked as a commentator and analyst for Fox Footy. He has reduced these media commitments to focus on his coaching role at Geelong.

Context: Tasmania's AFL Entry

The AFL has formally approved a 19th license for a team based in Tasmania. The team, known as the Tasmania Devils, is scheduled to enter the competition. The appointment of an inaugural senior coach is a key decision in the team's establishment.