- Buckley, 53, coached Collingwood from 2012 to 2021
Footy legend Nathan Buckley has confirmed he would ‘take the call’ if sounded out by the Melbourne Demons board to replace sacked coach Simon Goodwin.
The Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist in his playing days boasted a 54 per cent win rate in his 218 games as Collingwood coach between 2012 and 2021 – but didn’t snare an elusive premiership.
He went agonisingly close, losing the 2018 Grand Final in heartbreaking fashion by five points against West Coast.
While admitting his current media roles on TV and radio offer a ‘position of comfort’, Buckley – who only recently split from girlfriend Brodie Ryan – still yearns to be a head coach.
‘I would take the call,’ Buckley, 53, told SEN Radio on Wednesday.
‘I would have a chat, but a lot would have to fall into place to leave this position of comfort I have found.
Footy legend Nathan Buckley has confirmed he would ‘take the call’ if sounded out by the Melbourne Demons board following the sacking of Simon Goodwin this week
The Brownlow and Norm Smith medallist in his playing days (pictured, with ex Brodie Ryan) boasted a 54 per cent win rate in his 218 games as Collingwood coach between 2012 and 2021
Buckley (pictured, in his playing days) told SEN he rates the Melbourne Demons’ young guns as well as the more experienced stars on their list such as Christian Petracca
‘If you feel like there’s a case, if you like the people, if you see the opportunity to make a change and make a difference then you’re going to have to work that out quick smart.’
Other possible options for the Demons after moving Goodwin on include Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley or premiership mentors such as John Longmire (Sydney Swans) or Adam Simpson (West Coast Eagles).
Buckley also stated he rates the Demons’ young guns as well as the more experienced stars on their list such as Christian Petracca and Max Gawn.
‘There’s a lot that needs to settle (at the Demons),’ he said.
‘They are a big club, with a storied history. Experience in the playing group is unquestioned and I like their young group of players as well.
‘In that sense, there is a compelling case there. But there’s plenty of water to go under the bridge.’
Buckley has also had discussions with Tasmania about becoming the expansion club’s inaugural coach.
He previously met with chief executive Brendon Gale and was impressed with the club’s vision.
The Devils are slated to enter the AFL competition in 2028.
