Good News: Collingwood Legend Nathan Buckley Officially Sworn In as First Assistant General Manager to the Executive
Melbourne, VIC – In a major development for both the Collingwood Football Club and the AFL community, club icon and former head coach Nathan Buckley has officially been sworn in as the First Assistant General Manager to the Executive. The move marks a significant return to formal leadership for one of Collingwood’s most revered figures and signals a new era of football and administrative alignment at the club.
Buckley, 52, who spent over two decades at Collingwood as a player and coach, steps into this new high-ranking executive position following a carefully structured transition period and months of speculation regarding his next move in the football world. His appointment is seen as a strategic decision by Collingwood’s top brass to inject football intelligence, cultural integrity, and proven leadership into the club’s upper management structure.
A Career of Legacy and Leadership
Nathan Buckley’s relationship with the Magpies is etched in AFL history. As a player, he was a Brownlow Medallist, six-time Copeland Trophy winner, and one of the most skilled midfielders of his generation. As head coach, he led Collingwood to the 2018 AFL Grand Final in a heart-stopping contest against West Coast and was widely praised for his transformation of the club’s culture during his tenure from 2012 to 2021.
Though he stepped away from coaching in 2021, Buckley remained an influential voice in the AFL landscape through media appearances and football commentary. His re-entry into a club leadership role has been met with enthusiasm from the Collingwood faithful, many of whom consider him the spiritual heartbeat of the club.
A Strategic Executive Role
In his new capacity as First Assistant General Manager to the Executive, Buckley will work closely with CEO Craig Kelly and General Manager Graham Wright, overseeing key areas including football operations, player development pathways, high-performance strategy, and culture-building initiatives across the organization.
Sources within the club describe Buckley’s role as “deeply integrated,” with a mandate that extends beyond football-specific matters. He will be instrumental in long-term planning, governance, and enhancing the club’s off-field excellence to mirror its on-field ambitions.
“This is a homecoming in every sense of the word,” said Collingwood President Jeff Browne during the official swearing-in ceremony at the AIA Centre on Friday morning. “Nathan is not only one of the most respected names in Collingwood history, but also one of the most strategic and thoughtful leaders in Australian sport. His return to the executive team reflects our commitment to excellence, integrity, and staying true to our DNA.”
Buckley Speaks on His New Role
In his address to staff, players, and media, Buckley expressed gratitude for the opportunity and outlined his vision for contributing to Collingwood’s ongoing evolution.
“I’ve always believed Collingwood is more than a football club—it’s a community, a cause, a legacy. I’m here not just to reflect on the past, but to help shape the future,” Buckley said. “I’m looking forward to supporting our executive team, helping our players thrive on and off the field, and ensuring this club continues to be a benchmark of professionalism and heart.”
Reactions Across the AFL
The announcement has sent ripples through the AFL world, with former players, commentators, and rival clubs acknowledging the significance of Buckley’s new role. Former teammate and media personality Garry Lyon praised the appointment as “a masterstroke by Collingwood,” while Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton called it “the right person at the right time.”
What’s Next?
With Collingwood in the thick of another strong AFL campaign, Buckley’s presence in the executive suite is expected to bolster the club’s performance on multiple fronts. His deep understanding of club culture, player dynamics, and high-performance systems will likely influence both immediate decision-making and long-term club strategy.
As the Pies look to build on recent success and secure their next premiership, the return of Nathan Buckley to the black and white inner circle adds another layer of belief and ambition.
