Nathan Buckley reveals surprise new gig

After his emotional exit from the Magpies, Nathan Buckley wanted some time out from the game. Now the footy legend is making a return.

Nathan Buckley will join Jonathan Brown and the rest of the Fox Footy commentary team. Picture: Quinn Rooney

Footy legend Nathan Buckley is set for a return to public life, revealing his next chapter in footy will be as a commentator.

The former Collingwood coach is joining Fox Footy as its marquee off-season recruit after a four-month break.

“I determined really early that I would take some time to consider my next step in footy so returning to clubland in 2022 was off the table really quickly after leaving Collingwood,” Buckley told the Sunday Herald Sun.

“The last few years have been tough on every single person and people who work in footy have been no different …. longer hours, less pay, living away from home, losing colleagues, even more scrutiny than normal.

“The commitment required at club level is higher than at any time I can remember. You are in or out, there is no in-between.”

The race for Buckley’s signature was on after he made an emotional exit in June with a win against Melbourne in the Queen’s birthday clash.

He had been at the helm of the Magpies for a decade before deciding to step down, following a decorated 280-game playing career that started at Brisbane and ended with him being one of the Magpies’ greatest ever players.

“I’ve actually been really settled and comfortable flying under the radar,” Buckley said.

“I was very conscious that the club needed its space beyond my departure and I thought Robert Harvey and the leaders did a great job keeping the program together for the back half of the season.

“Extra time with my boys (Jett and Ayce) has been a definite advantage as well.

“The crew at Fox Footy get the game and relate it well to the viewers, I’m looking forward to being a part of that. There are a lot of well respected people in the industry and it will be fun to share what is happening and why with the panel and of course the viewers at home.”

Buckley says he will call the game without “fear or favour”, adding: “I hope to bring a balance of insight and perspective”.

“AFL footy is a tough caper, I think the industry has developed this idea that things should be a certain way, that coaches, players and umpires are infallible and I’m looking forward to providing a little bit of reality to those expectations.”

Executive Director of Fox Sports, Steve Crawley, said adding Buckley was a major coup.

“You bet we’re excited,” Crawley said.

“Nathan Buckley was clearly the best AFL talent out there and now he has a home at Fox Footy.

“His expert commentary and sheer presence will be a treat for our audience. We can’t wait to see him alongside the likes of Dunstall, Brown, Lyon and Riewoldt.”

Buckley will be part of Fox Footy’s game day coverage as well as being featured on the channel’s marquee shows.