BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Legend Nathan Buckley Returns as Chief football officer In a monumental announcement, Collingwood President Barry Carp and family has officially declared that Nathan Buckley the legendary Midfielder and long-time face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025 as Senior coaching..……. see more

BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Legend Nathan Buckley Returns as Chief Football Officer

In one of the most momentous announcements in recent AFL history, Collingwood Football Club President Barry Carp, flanked by his family at a surprise press conference this morning at the AIA Centre, confirmed that club legend Nathan Buckley will return to the Magpies in 2025 — this time as Chief Football Officer, with a focus on senior coaching and football operations.

The decision marks a full-circle moment for Buckley, who first joined the club as a player in 1994 and quickly became one of the most decorated midfielders of his era. After retiring in 2007, Buckley transitioned into coaching, ultimately leading the Pies as senior coach from 2012 to 2021, including a Grand Final appearance in 2018.

A Return Years in the Making

“This club has always been home,” Buckley said, visibly emotional as he took the stage. “I’ve been away long enough to reflect, grow, and understand just how much Collingwood means to me — and how much more I believe I can contribute.”

Buckley’s new role will see him overseeing the club’s entire football department, working closely with the head coach, recruiters, development staff, and high-performance team. While he stopped short of calling it a coaching comeback, insiders suggest Buckley’s influence on game strategy and player development will be significant.

President Barry Carp described Buckley’s return as “the dawn of a new era.”

“Nathan is more than just a legend of this club — he’s a symbol of our values, our grit, and our ambition,” Carp said. “In this new executive role, he’ll be a guiding force as we build the next great Collingwood dynasty.”

Strong Support from the Football Community

The announcement has already sent shockwaves through the AFL community, with players, coaches, and former teammates praising the move.

“One of the smartest footy brains I’ve ever worked with,” said former Magpie and premiership hero Steele Sidebottom. “His return will inspire both the locker room and the fans.”

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon also weighed in: “Having someone of Nathan’s calibre back in a leadership role is a win for Collingwood and for the league as a whole.”

What’s Next?

Buckley will officially begin his role in January 2025, just in time to oversee pre-season training and player development initiatives. While head coach Craig McRae remains firmly at the helm after a successful 2023 premiership and strong 2024 campaign, Buckley’s appointment signals a bolstering of the club’s off-field brain trust.

Fans are already buzzing about the potential impact Buckley’s return could have — not just on performance, but on the club’s culture and identity.

“It just feels right,” said lifelong supporter Jess Martin outside the AIA Centre. “Buckley is Collingwood.”

As the Magpies gear up for another premiership push, one thing is certain — the black and white army now has one of its greatest warriors back in its ranks.