Ex-West Adelaide half-back John Noble signs a new two-year contract with Collingwood

Collingwood half-back John Noble has revealed how coach and fellow South Australian Nathan Buckley has eased his stunning transition from the mid-year draft to signing a two-year contract.

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John Noble has revealed how Collingwood coach and fellow Croweater Nathan Buckley has eased his stunning transition from the mid-year draft to signing a two-year contract.

The speedy half-back was taken from SANFL club West Adelaide at pick 14 in the mid-season Rookie Draft and went on to play five matches for the Magpies this past campaign.

Noble’s promising start to his AFL career was rewarded earlier this week, when he penned a deal to remain at Collingwood until the end of 2021.

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He said SA-born Buckley had been pivotal in helping him adapt to the elite ranks and giving him the belief to make the most of his opportunity.

“He (Buckley) is a really down to earth person and really cares about you as a person, more so than a player,” Noble told SEN on Tuesday.

“That’s something really special to have at the club.

“It builds really good culture and that’s something that he’s been driving for the last six months that I’ve noticed.

“It’s made a huge impact on some of the boys.

SA-born John Noble has signed a two-year contract with Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

“He really does make an effort to really get to know you and know what you’re doing outside of footy.

“You’re not just there as a player, you’re there as a person as well.”

Noble made his AFL debut in Collingwood’s round-17 win away to West Coast in front of more than 56,000 fans at Optus Oval.

Far from overawed by the occasion, he collected 18 disposals and went on to feature in the Magpies’ qualifying final win over Geelong and heartbreaking preliminary final loss to GWS.

Noble, 22, said it was “humbling” and “rewarding” to extend his stay at the 15-time premier.

“It’s obviously a dream to play AFL and be in the system as long as you can,” said Noble, the son of Brisbane’s head of football, David Noble.

“So to sign a two-year deal wasn’t something difficult to make a decision.

“There’s certainly days where I sit back and go, ‘I’ve played for Collingwood and I’m at Collingwood for another two years’.

“It does take you back a bit, but I’m along for the ride and I can’t believe it’s happened.

“The goals are … settling in more comfortably with a pre-season under my belt and really building those relationships from scratch.

“Obviously I want to cement a spot in the side and work my way up, but bit-by-bit and making the most of the opportunity I’ve been given is what I’ll be doing.”

Originally published as Ex-West Adelaide half-back John Noble signs a new two-year contract with Collingwood