Tania Minnici goes public on Instagram after Nathan Buckley marriage breakdown

Tania Minnici had a message for her followers after taking to social media for the first time since her split with Nathan Buckley went public.

Nathan Buckley’s ex-wife has made her first public social media post since confirming her marriage split with the Collingwood coach.

Days after the Magpies mentor caused a stir with his Instagram activity, Tania Minnici took to the same platform with a message many have interpreted to be about her relationship breakdown.

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Posing with fashion designer friend Jason Grech, Tania captioned her photo: “‘Adversity sets you up for amazing things’. This human stands out for being the amazing rock any girl could ask for. Love you @iamjasongrech @jasongrech.”

It’s the first time Minnici has posted on Instagram since her and Buckley released a joint statement last year confirming their 18-year marriage was over.

“It has been a tough and challenging year for every family and for ours included. It is with the utmost of love and respect for each other and a true commitment to our sons, that we made a decision to separate in January,” Minnici wrote on December 4.

“We remain dedicated parents and in the interests of our boys, we ask for our family to be given the privacy that is needed. We thank everyone in advance for understanding our request and for the unconditional love and support we have received throughout our marriage.”

Minnici is still keeping “Buckley” in her Instagram username, her profile picture still includes the Pies coach and in her latest photo she appears to be wearing a gold band on her left ring finger.

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Her first post since news of their break-up became public comes after Buckley turned heads on the weekend. His new, private Instagram account is only following 292 people and has 267 followers, but some of the names on those lists sparked speculation the AFL legend may be willing to dip his toes back into the dating pool.

The Herald Sun reported sources close to a Melbourne model poured cold water on rumours she was getting cosy with the footy icon, while the publication reported Buckley had followed cosmetic nurse Alex Pike on social media.

The single mum of three boys has nearly 19,000 Instagram followers and is well-known in Melbourne for working with celebrities, running a successful business, Face by Alex Pike.

News of Buckley’s marriage breakdown came as a huge shock to the AFL world, with him and Minnici establishing themselves as one of footy’s golden couples during his playing days with Collingwood.

They first met at a St Kilda restaurant in 1999 and their union scaled some dizzying heights including a memorable debut encounter, a romantic proposal, a storybook wedding, countless holidays and the birth of their two sons, Jett and Ayce.

Buckley and Minnici were regular red carpet winners.

The glamour couple’s split rocked the AFL world.