NewsBite

Nathan Buckley sees bright future for Collingwood despite shattering Grand Final loss

AFTER taking some time to heal after the Grand Final loss and reflect on what his team was able to achieve this season, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley believes the Magpies are headed for success and they already have the tools to do it.

A shattered Nathan Buckley after Collingwood’s Grand Final loss. Picture: Getty
A shattered Nathan Buckley after Collingwood’s Grand Final loss. Picture: Getty

NATHAN Buckley says Collingwood has what it needs to take it forward to greatness.

The Magpies coach admitted that he was “pretty raw” in the wake of the team’s five-point Grand Final loss to West Coast, but was managing to see the light in the club’s campaign in the aftermath.

And he likes what he sees.

MARK ROBINSON: MAYHEM BEFORE SHEED’S MAGIC MOMENT

LEIGH MATTHEWS: SHEED CALL PROOF ‘UMPIRES CAN CHOKE’

BAD BLOCK: PIES RUNNER ‘SHATTERED’ OVER MISTAKE

“I was no good (after the game). On reflection, I’m feeling a little more optimistic,” he said.

“I’m seeing the positives of what we’ve been able to build.

“And I look across and I see these guys (the players) and I know that we’re in good hands going forward.

“We didn’t get what we wanted yesterday, but we’ve got what we need for tomorrow.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley looks at his players as he delivers a speech about his side’s chances for the future. Picture: Michael Klein
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley looks at his players as he delivers a speech about his side’s chances for the future. Picture: Michael Klein

“This is a journey.”

Buckley said the club would continue to lean and rely on each other and that such foundations would be what “will stand us in great stead going forward”.

“It wasn’t about the season 2018. It was about the whole of our contributions to the club and making sure that we do you guys (the fans) proud and that we give ourselves the best chance of long-term success, which I think we are now in a position to chase and to really have a crack at,” he said.

JEREMY HOWE: PIES HAVE ‘FORMULA TO BE GREAT’

LONG NIGHT: HOW PARTYING PIES EASED GRAND FINAL PAIN

NATHAN BUCKLEY: ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY TO MEND PIES’ HEARTS

“There is a lot of work to do going forward, but fuelled with that love and care for each other and the support of each other, we know that we’ll attack whatever is in front of us with everything that we’ve got.

“I reckon it will be a bit of fun to be a Collingwood supporter in the next little period of time.”

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/nathan-buckley-sees-bright-future-for-collingwood-despite-shattering-grand-final-loss/news-story/c45ea9498bf10ca6873e886649841801