Nathan Buckley to sell more than 200 items from AFL career in auction after divorce

More than 200 items from Nathan Buckley’s career will be put up for auction, including grand final jumpers and some precious keepsakes from the Collingwood legend’s career.

Nathan Buckley’s cherished football memorabilia is due to be sold off following his divorce, with the Collingwood great forced to “buy back” his medals and auction off other items – including grand final jumpers and precious keepsakes.

Buckley separated from wife Tania in 2020 and his entire catalogue of memorabilia was valued.

He has managed to buy back his 2003 Brownlow Medal and 2002 Norm Smith Medals for an undisclosed figure, as well as his record six Copelands trophies.

But more than 200 items from Buckleys past three decades in football are scheduled to go under the hammer at Charles Leski Auctions on May 1, with the Australian Football Hall of Fame member reluctantly giving up some of the things he had hoped would one day go back to the clubs and institutions he represented.

Nathan Buckley’s 2003 Grand Final jumper is up for grabs.

“You do collect a bit of stuff from a lifetime in the game and these items are the sum of the last 30 years in footy,” Buckley told the Herald Sun on Thursday.

“Thankfully, I was able to, in effect, buy back my medals after they were valued. It’s a crazy world!

“I’ve never viewed these items as commodities and thought that in the fullness of time they would be returned to the clubs or institutions I represented at the time.

“I do still hope this transpires.”

Auctioneer Charles Leski said Buckley’s split was the reason behind the former Magpie’s decision to part with the items.

“This collection, sold under difficult circumstances, gives us a rare glimpse into the life of a sporting hero,” Leski said.

“Nathan Buckley is an Australian sporting legend.”

Nathan Buckley’s 2002 Grand Final jersey, which is up for auction.

Buckley played 280 AFL matches in a stunning career that stretched from 1993 to his retirement in 2007.

Leski said there was “something for everyone” in the 200-plus items for sale, with estimated prices ranging from $50 to $5000 for each piece.

One of the most significant auction items is Buckley’s 2002 grand final jumper, which he wore in the club’s grand final loss to Brisbane Lions.

He was adjudged the Norm Smith Medal winner on the day, one of only four times the award has been won by a player from the losing side.

That jumper is estimated to bring between $3000 to $5000, with a bid already for $2400.

His 2003 grand final jumper is expected to bring between $2500 to $3000, while his 150th game worn jumper signed by his teammates could reach $2000.

The auction also includes his lace-up 1992 Port Adelaide SANFL premiership jumper, a game in which he was named the Jack Oatey Medallist as the best player afield.

It was his final game before embarking on his AFL career and already has a bid of $2400 on it.

The Buckley Toorak mansion is also on the market for about $18m dollars.

The couple bought the home – which has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two kitchens and a wine cellar – in 2007 for $4m.

Originally published as Nathan Buckley to sell more than 200 items from AFL career in auction after divorce