Back in Black and White: Nathan Buckley Returns to Collingwood as Executive Chairman
In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves through the AFL world, the Collingwood Football Club has officially confirmed the return of one of its most revered figures, Nathan Buckley, as Executive Chairman. The announcement, made early Thursday morning, marks a powerful reunion between the Magpies and a man who has worn nearly every hat at the club — player, captain, coach, and now executive leader.
The club plans to formally introduce Buckley in his new capacity during a special media event at the AIA Centre, in what is expected to be one of the most symbolic moments in recent Collingwood history. It is the continuation of a deeply entwined legacy and the beginning of what many hope will be another successful era for the black and white.
From Champion Player to Club Architect
Few names are as synonymous with Collingwood as Nathan Buckley. Since arriving at the club in 1994 — following a high-profile trade from the Brisbane Bears — Buckley quickly became the heart and soul of the Magpies. Over 280 games, he etched his name into the AFL history books with his elite ball use, leadership, and sheer professionalism. He claimed the Brownlow Medal in 2003, won six Copeland Trophies, and captained the side from 1999 to 2007.
Following his retirement, Buckley transitioned into coaching, eventually taking the reins as senior coach from 2012 to 2021. Under his leadership, Collingwood came within a whisker of premiership glory in 2018, falling short by just five points in a dramatic Grand Final against West Coast.
Now, in 2025, Buckley returns not with a whistle, but with a vision.
“Collingwood is in my blood,” Buckley said in a powerful statement. “This club shaped me, challenged me, and gave me purpose. I’m humbled to return in this new capacity to help guide its future.”
A Homecoming Fueled by Purpose
The appointment of Buckley as Executive Chairman isn’t just symbolic — it’s strategic. His deep understanding of club culture, elite performance environments, and the intense expectations of Collingwood supporters positions him as a natural fit to work alongside current club executives and board members.
Club President Jeff Browne, who has steered Collingwood through a period of boardroom change and renewal since 2021, was effusive in his praise of Buckley’s return.
“This is a landmark moment for the Collingwood Football Club,” Browne declared. “Nathan embodies everything Collingwood stands for — passion, purpose, and premiership ambition. His return is more than a homecoming; it’s a commitment to excellence and legacy.”
While the Executive Chairman role is relatively new in football circles, Collingwood has confirmed that Buckley will be tasked with overseeing high-level football operations, culture development, and long-term strategic planning — sitting somewhere between the board and football department.
In essence, Buckley won’t be calling plays, but he’ll be helping shape the entire playbook — from recruiting vision to cultural direction to off-field sustainability.
A Club on the Rise
Buckley’s return comes at a time when Collingwood is experiencing a resurgence both on and off the field.
After claiming their 16th premiership in 2023 under coach Craig McRae, the Magpies have re-established themselves as the benchmark club in the AFL. Led by Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Moore, and a wave of emerging stars, Collingwood has married on-field success with strong member engagement, financial stability, and community impact.
Buckley’s leadership is seen as the next step in fortifying that foundation.
“What we’re building now is not just about this season or next,” said CEO Craig Kelly. “Nathan brings vision. He knows how to win, and he understands what winning requires from a people and systems perspective.”
The Bigger Picture: Culture, Legacy, and the Collingwood Identity
While Buckley’s football résumé speaks for itself, insiders say his appointment also carries weight for deeper reasons — identity, culture, and legacy.
Following Eddie McGuire’s long reign and the subsequent scrutiny of the club’s cultural reviews and governance practices, Collingwood has worked hard to reset its internal values. Buckley, despite being a polarizing figure during his coaching tenure, was always respected for his integrity and professionalism — attributes that now return to the club at executive level.
As Executive Chairman, Buckley is expected to champion cultural initiatives, player wellbeing frameworks, Indigenous engagement programs, and grassroots development — all part of his broader mandate to ensure Collingwood thrives on and off the field.
Football IQ Meets Business Smarts
Since stepping down as senior coach in 2021, Buckley has remained in the public eye through his work as a highly rated AFL media analyst. His insights have drawn praise across the board, with many lauding his ability to communicate complex football strategies and leadership principles.
Behind the scenes, Buckley also completed leadership development programs and worked as a consultant with several high-performance organizations — experiences that will no doubt serve him well in his new role.
“I’ve always believed leadership is about connection and clarity,” Buckley said during a media appearance last year. “In football, and in life, you win when you align values with vision.”
What Comes Next?
The announcement has already sparked excitement among Collingwood members and the broader AFL community. Social media platforms were flooded with support within minutes of the news breaking, with many describing Buckley’s return as “the full-circle moment the club needed.”
But the real work begins now.
Over the coming months, Buckley will work closely with President Jeff Browne, CEO Craig Kelly, and head coach Craig McRae to align the club’s long-term strategic goals. His influence is expected to be most felt in list management philosophies, elite training standards, and strengthening Collingwood’s unique club culture.
For the Magpie faithful, Buckley’s return represents more than nostalgia — it symbolizes a clear direction. After all, few know the weight of the black and white stripes like he does.
A Legacy Still Being Written
Nathan Buckley has long been one of the most fascinating figures in modern AFL — a perfectionist, a leader, a warrior, and a thinker. And now, as he returns to the club that shaped him, he does so not to relive old glories, but to create new ones.
Collingwood fans will hope that his presence not only brings steadiness to the boardroom, but fire to the club’s quest for sustained greatness.
After all, when Nathan Buckley speaks — Collingwood listens.
