Nathan Buckley returns to AFL coaching ranks in 2026 with Geelong

Former Collingwood champion player and grand final coach Nathan Buckley is back in AFL clubland after accepting a rival coaching offer.

Nathan Buckley is back at club level. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Nathan Buckley is set to make his long-awaited return to the coaches’ box, joining Geelong as assistant for 2026 amid continued links to the new Tasmanian team which will enter the AFL in 2028.

Buckley coached Collingwood within a kick of the premiership in 2018 after a distinguished playing career before making way for Craig McRae.

He was in the running for Melbourne’s senior coaching role but his inability to fully commit, while sounding out Tasmanian officials which included a meeting with CEO Brendon Gale, moved the Demons to appoint Steven King.

But now Geelong officials sensed Buckley’s “strong appetite” to return to coaching and have added him to a coaching staff which lost former star Cats defender Matthew Scarlett after he joined his former teammate, King, at the Demons.

“We are excited to add Nathan to our club and more specifically to our coaching group,” Mackie said.

“He is respected and highly regarded across the football industry and brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.

Nathan Buckley is back at club level. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“In speaking with Nathan, it was clear he had a strong appetite to return to coaching, and we look forward to welcoming him to our football program to work closely with our players and staff.”

The move earned immediate excitement from Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield who posted on X “let’s go”.

It’s unclear what exactly Buckley’s role will be on coach Chris Scot’s staff.

Buckley, who has been part of Fox Footy’s commentary team since leaving Collingwood, will continue in his media roles as a game-day analyst and as a panelist for On The Couch in 2026.

Let’s go!! https://t.co/sujnhuKbDF

— Patrick Dangerfield (@dangerfield35) October 14, 2025

Buckley has been open about wanting to coach the Tasmanian Devils and his move back into coaching could be a stepping stone.

“I only know my side of it. And that is ultimately that I had to risk sacrificing an opportunity to coach Melbourne, to keep an opportunity to coach Tasmania, because the timelines just didn’t match up,” Buckley told Fox Footy’s On the Couch.

“Melbourne, rightfully, made the decision on a coach that absolutely was all-in and wanted to do the job and that was Steven King.

“So they’ve very much made the right call.

“I was more attracted to the Tasmania job than I was to the Melbourne job.”

Originally published as Nathan Buckley returns to AFL coaching ranks in 2026 with Geelong