BREAKING NEWS: Former Collingwood football head coach Nathan Buckley now pursuing motorsport career sent a message to Collingwood head coach Craig McRae concerning….see more

In an unexpected turn of events that’s capturing the AFL and motorsport worlds alike, Nathan Buckley—Collingwood legend, Brownlow medallist, and former head coach—is embarking on a motorsport journey. Even more striking: he’s sent a deeply personal, game-changing message to current Collingwood head coach Craig McRae, prompting reflection on life, legacy, and balance. Here’s everything you need to know—and what it could mean for both men.

1. From Elite Football to the Fast Lane

1.1. A Renowned Football Career

Nathan Charles Buckley, born 26 July 1972, defined Collingwood Football Club from player to coach. As a midfielder, he won the 2003 Brownlow Medal and the 2002 Norm Smith Medal, keenly captaining Collingwood from 1999 to 2007. His influence extended beyond the field, earning seven All-Australian selections and induction into both the Australian Football Hall of Fame and Collingwood’s Team of the Century .

1.2. Coaching Tenure & Departure

A natural successor to Mick Malthouse, Buckley returned to Collingwood in 2012 as senior coach. Over ten seasons, he accrued 218 games and led the club to a grand final in 2018—only to fall short at the last hurdle—before stepping away mid-2021 .

1.3. New Passion: Motorsport

Since coaching, Buckley has pivoted toward motorsport. He competed in the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, finishing second, and now owns the Group One harness-racing pacer Hurricane Jett, named after his son and trained by Collingwood supporter Jayne Davies . His commitment to the motorsport world is intensifying.

2. The Personal Message Heard ‘Round the AFL

2.1. Craig McRae’s Coaching Success

After Buckley’s departure, Craig McRae—former premiership player turned coach—took over in late 2021. He revitalized Collingwood, steering them to a thrilling grand final victory in 2023, the club’s first since 2010 .

2.2. A Coach at a Crossroads

In May 2025 reports surfaced—labeled “AFL STUNNER”—that McRae plans to step down at the end of the 2025 season. Sources say that Buckley reached out with a message that prompted McRae’s deep self-reflection. Though the details remain private, reports claim it “spoke of the toll of coaching at elite level, family, and life beyond football” .

McRae publicly acknowledged:

“This job is all-consuming… sometimes you don’t realise what it’s costing you until someone holds up a mirror. Nathan did that for me. He reminded me that we’re more than just coaches—we’re dads, husbands, mates.”

That conversation reportedly came “more personal than tactical,” and is widely viewed as pivotal in McRae’s decision .

3. Inside the Message: Beyond the Xs and Os

While the exact words remain undisclosed, a compelling narrative emerges: a veteran coach urging a younger one to reassess his priorities.

3.1. Buckley’s Hard-Earned Wisdom

Buckley has openly discussed the relentless pressures of professional football, revealing the “ruthless,” emotionally taxing environments of his playing and coaching days . His candid reflections—particularly in a 2024 podcast—underscored the importance of awareness, timing, balance, and well-being.

3.2. A Mirror for McRae

With a second child recently born and his own sense of personal sacrifice reported in inner circles, McRae seems to have recognized that Buckley’s message wasn’t just advice—it was a lifeline.

4. What This Means for Collingwood

4.1. Coaching Transition & Timing

McRae is expected to stay until the completion of the 2025 season—a decision notedly influenced by his conversation with Buckley . The club now must prepare for succession planning, with names like Brendon Bolton, Hayden Skipworth, and external candidates being floated . The timing is considered deliberate, allowing Collingwood to finish strong and plan responsibly.

4.2. Cultural Continuity vs Change

Buckley’s influence—both on and off field—is notable. His focus on internal growth, player welfare, and personal fulfillment reflects a culture Collingwood may choose to preserve—or wisely evolve under new leadership. McRae’s premiership success rounds this cultural foundation with elite performance.

5. Buckley’s Motorsport Ambitions: A New Arc

5.1. Pet Projects & Pacing Passion

Beyond motorsport appearances, Buckley now has Sands in his focus. He’s ventured into harness racing successfully—with Hurricane Jett securing Group One glory .

5.2. Active Involvement in Motorsports

Sources indicate Buckley is preparing for more active roles—potential driving circuits, team ownership, or part-time commitments. His early success in 2008 hints at actual latent potential for a second career in speed.

5.3. Balancing Personal Life

Buckley’s shift signifies a new chapter. He’s expressed contentment with his life beyond coaching, enjoying media commitments and fatherhood . Motorsport appears to be an ideal outlet: competitive, structured, and fulfilling—minus the relentless scrutiny of AFL.

6. Legacy, Lessons, and Leadership

6.1. The Mentor-Mentee Bond

Their relationship has evolved—from on-field peers to successive coaches—into a powerful mentor-mentee bond. McRae’s respect for Buckley, and Buckley’s savviness in how to deliver a message, underscores a mature leadership model in modern sport.

6.2. Life Beyond the Oval

McRae’s reflections—citing roles as husband, father, mate—highlight a greater paradigm shift. AFL coaching is no longer simply measured in wins; well-being, family, and future beyond footy have become equal metrics of success.

6.3. Setting Precedents for Future Leaders

Buckley’s own career pivot sets a precedent. He’s shown it’s possible to transition successfully into media, motorsport, and community life. His journey illustrates to future players and coaches the value and viability of life after football.

7. Looking Ahead

Craig McRae

He remains at the helm for the rest of 2025, balancing elite competition and family harmony.

The club has until September/October 2025 to appoint a successor.

McRae could remain connected through mentoring, media, or developmental roles.

Nathan Buckley

Likely to deepen motorsport engagement: racing, media, event ownership.

May maintain public profile via Fox Footy, SEN, or broadcast commentary.

Collingwood Football Club

Facing a pivotal period: appointing a coach who honors performance legacy and mental culture.

Must preserve strengths: recent premiership, strong player development, and a healthier balance model pioneered through Buckley and McRae.

Conclusion

This isn’t just another coach shuffle. It’s a moment that encapsulates the evolving nature of elite sport, where personal well-being and professional ambition intersect. Nathan Buckley’s foray into motorsport—and the message he delivered to McRae—signifies more than a career pivot; it’s part of a broader shift towards sustainable, purpose-driven leadership in sport.

McRae’s decision to step down—on his own terms with family and perspective in tow—is both ambitious and responsible. Buckley moving forward into a new arena, thriving in passion outside the AFL spotlight, is equally compelling. Together, they illustrate a leadership model marked not just by results, but by wellness, growth, and longevity beyond the finish line.

Expect more from both men—and more from Collingwood, as they navigate transition while honoring the powerful guidance of a footy legend turned motorsport pioneer