AFL icon Nathan Buckley has broken his silence after being surprisingly overlooked for the Melbourne Demons' head coaching position, expressing no bitterness while revealing his strong interest in the historic Tasmania Devils role.
The Collingwood Magpies legend, widely considered one of the most astute football minds in the competition, was surprisingly not among the final candidates for the Demons' top job despite his impressive credentials and successful coaching pedigree.
No Hard Feelings Towards Melbourne
Buckley displayed remarkable professionalism when discussing the Demons' decision, stating he harbours no resentment towards the club. "I had a conversation with (Melbourne CEO) Gary Pert and (football boss) Alan Richardson, and they were really clear about the process they were going to go through," Buckley revealed.
"I wasn't interviewed, and that's fine. They've got a process to go through, and they'll work through that." His gracious response demonstrates the maturity and class that characterised both his playing and coaching careers.
Tasmania Devils: The Dream Opportunity
Where Buckley does show palpable excitement is regarding the incoming Tasmania Devils, set to become the AFL's 19th team in 2028. The prospect of building a club from the ground up clearly appeals to the former Magpies coach.
"The Tasmania one is interesting because it's a start-up," Buckley explained. "You're building everything from the ground up, and that's appealing."
He acknowledged the unique challenges and opportunities the Tasmanian role presents: "There's a lot of work that would need to be done, and it would be a significant shift geographically and in every way."
Building a Legacy from Scratch
The opportunity to shape an entire football department, establish culture, and create something enduring represents the ultimate challenge for an experienced football mind like Buckley. His vision extends beyond mere wins and losses to building a sustainable football institution.
Buckley's coaching credentials are beyond question. During his nine-year tenure at Collingwood, he:
- Led the Magpies to the 2018 Grand Final
- Developed numerous young stars into elite AFL players
- Maintained a winning record despite significant list challenges
- Earned widespread respect for his tactical innovation
The Road Ahead for Tasmania
While the Tasmania Devils won't enter the competition until 2028, the appointment of their inaugural senior coach is expected to happen much sooner. This strategic move would allow the chosen candidate to:
- Build the football department from the ground up
- Establish relationships with local talent pathways
- Develop the club's playing style and culture
- Participate in list management strategy from day one
Buckley's interest in the position adds significant prestige to the Tasmanian franchise and demonstrates the appeal of this historic opportunity within coaching circles.
The football world will watch with keen interest as both Melbourne finalises their decision and Tasmania begins their search for the right person to launch their AFL journey.
