The Tasmania Football Club says Nathan Buckley’s appointment as an assistant coach at Geelong is a “very positive step” should he decide to coach in the AFL again.
The former Collingwood senior coach will join the Cats’ staff for the 2026 season, ending months of speculation about his next move.
Buckley had been in talks with Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale about leading the club as its inaugural senior coach when it joins the AFL in 2028.
But his decision to return to coaching at Kardinia Park appears to have put those plans on hold – at least for now.
“Tasmania Football Club acknowledges and congratulates Nathan Buckley on his appointment to Geelong Football Club,” the club said in a statement.
“It is great to see individuals of Nathan’s calibre back coaching and if he wishes to coach at AFL level again we see this as a very positive step.”
The 2003 Brownlow medallist was also among the final contenders for Melbourne’s coaching role before the Demons appointed former Geelong assistant Steven King in September.
At the time, reports suggested Tasmania’s pursuit of Buckley had complicated Melbourne’s process, with the Demons keen to move quickly.
Geelong’s football boss Andrew Mackie said Buckley had shown “a strong appetite to return to coaching” during their discussions.
“We are excited to add Nathan to our club and more specifically to our coaching group,” he said.
“He is respected and highly regarded across the football industry and brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.”
Whether Buckley could still be part of Tasmania’s plans down the track remains to be seen, but for now, his focus is firmly on Geelong.
