Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley enjoyed a magical moment with his family after the Magpies’ win

IT was the moment that would melt even the hardest of hearts. Just minutes after Collingwood had advanced to its first Grand Final in seven years, Nathan Buckley was back to being a dad again — not a coach.

Jordan De Goey celebrates a goal for the Magpies. Picture: Getty Images

IT was the moment that would melt even the hardest of hearts.

Just minutes after Collingwood had advanced to its first Grand Final in seven years after dismantling the seemingly indestructible Richmond, Nathan Buckley was back to being a dad again — not a coach.

As he wound his way into the MCG rooms, he was met immediately by his excited son, Jett, who leapt into his arms in joy.

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At that moment, so much of the crap endured by Buckley, his family and, indeed, the football club that he has loved for the best part of 25 years, was instantly washed away.

Sure, there is still one more very important win to attain before reaching their objective. And it will be FAR from easy!

Bucks' son. 😭❤️#AFLTigersPies pic.twitter.com/97uQ7goZWa

— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 21, 2018

But whatever happens at the MCG next Saturday, it is impossible not to be swept up in the swift and very personal transformation of the Collingwood Football Club.

That’s the way it is with the Magpies at the moment.

They show your emotions. They care about the bloke next to them. And they never ever say never.

And, tellingly, if the Magpies do win next Saturday’s Grand Final, it will take them to the top of the premiership tree again, equal with old rivals Carlton and Essendon with 16 flags.

This has been an extraordinary revival on all measures.

Can this be the same team that finished 13th last season after missing four successive finals appearances?

Nathan Buckley with his sons Jett and Ayce after Collingwood’s win. Picture: Michael Wilson AFL Media

Can this be the same coach previously criticised for not “having” the players, but whose connection with them over the past 12 months went a long way towards saving him from the metaphorical coaching guillotine?

The same coach who couldn’t quite nail a premiership as a player, but who is surely this year’s AFL Coach of the Year. No one deserves a flag as a coach more than Buckley.

Can this be the same club that seemed fractured not that long ago only to be galvanised by three separate reviews late last year, crucial to what is occurring right now, and what might happen next?

Every Grand Final team has a host of compelling stories, but what Collingwood has done off the back of one of the longest injury lists in the AFL this year could fill a book — and if they win, it probably will.

How about these tales headed into a Grand Final?

Nathan Buckley with his son Jett after the match. Picture: AFL Media Michael Wilson

There’s the former US basketballer, Mason Cox, who hadn’t put his big mits on a Sherrin until a handful of years ago, and who transformed the game with the second most contested marks in a final — ever.

He might yet transform the world of AFL recruiting in the US the way Jim Stynes did with Ireland a generation ago.

There’s the grieving brother, Travis Varcoe, who is playing for his sister, Maggie, who tragically died as a result of a football injury, as much as his teammates.

There’s Jaidyn Stephenson, the kid who won the Rising Star, less than 12 months after a few clubs put a pen through his name due to a heart issue he had. He hasn’t missed a game. That’s 25 and counting.

Collingwood players celebrate a late goal against the Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

There’s Tyson Goldsack, who refused to give up on his dream of a second premiership medal, even after undergoing a knee reconstruction six months ago; and Adam Treloar, whose season seemed almost as shot as his two hamstrings that required surgery mid-season.

There’s Josh Thomas, who spent two years out of the game after suffering a drugs ban; and Jordan De Goey, who pushed the Magpies to the point of exasperation with his off-field behaviour, was banished for a period, and who might one day be the best player in the competition.

There’s Brody Mihocek, who was driving forklifts by day and playing VFL on weekends last year, but who has taken his long-awaited AFL chance by the scruff of the neck. Add in Levi Greenwood, who is playing without the certainty of a contract next year, but who shut out the game’s most dangerous player, his mate Dustin Martin.

Travis Varcoe and Jack Crisp. Picture: Getty Images

There’s Chris Mayne, who was spoken of as an overpaid ‘laughing stock’ last year, earning big bucks for a year in the VFL; but whose career revival on the wing has mirrored that of his club.

It wasn’t long ago some were calling for Scott Pendlebury to be replaced as skipper; on Saturday he could join Murray Weideman, Tony Shaw and Nick Maxwell as the only living Collingwood premiership captain.

Then, there is finals star Steele Sidebottom, ruckman Brodie Grundy and a host of other Magpies who have helped push Collingwood into another Grand Final.

So many great stories; so much belief in each other; and now two hours on Saturday to turn that dream into reality.

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Originally published as Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley enjoyed a magical moment with his family after the Magpies’ win