BREAKING NEWS: Former Collingwood Football head coach Nathan Buckley who is currently in talks to become the new senior coach for the Melbourne Demons sent a message to collingwood head coach Craig McRae concerning…see more
Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that Buckley, who stepped down as Collingwood’s head coach in 2021 after nearly a decade in the role, is on the verge of a sensational return to senior coaching, this time with arch-rivals Melbourne. His potential appointment follows the abrupt resignation of Simon Goodwin, who cited personal reasons for stepping down just weeks after the Demons’ disappointing semi-final exit in the 2025 AFL Finals Series.
But what’s caught fans and insiders off guard isn’t just Buckley’s return to the AFL coaching ranks — it’s the message he reportedly sent to McRae, whose Collingwood side has seen both success and scrutiny since claiming the 2023 premiership.
The Message: “This Isn’t Goodbye, It’s a New Chapter for All of Us”
According to AFL insider and journalist Mia Donnelly, Buckley sent a lengthy message to McRae late last week, just days after his second formal interview with the Melbourne Demons’ board. Though intended to be private, parts of the message were revealed in a leaked communication, now verified by several sources.
“I want you to know, Fly [Craig McRae’s nickname], this isn’t about rivalry or resentment. This is about legacy. About evolution. About doing what we love in the way we know best,” Buckley reportedly wrote.
“You’ve led this club with heart and class, and I’ve admired that from the sidelines. If I take this next step with Melbourne, it won’t be to compete with you — it’ll be to honour the game, the journey, and yes, the Collingwood culture we helped build.”
While some fans have interpreted the message as a respectful nod to McRae’s achievements and a recognition of their shared connection to Collingwood, others believe it may be a subtle warning — a shot across the bow, signaling Buckley’s readiness to once again challenge for premiership glory, albeit from the other side of the Yarra.
A History of High Stakes and Higher Emotions
The relationship between Buckley and McRae is well-documented but complex. While both share a deep affection for Collingwood — Buckley as a club legend and long-time head coach, McRae as a premiership-winning coach and former assistant — their coaching philosophies have often diverged.
Buckley’s tenure (2012–2021) was characterized by tactical precision, structured gameplay, and a focus on contested possession. While he led the Magpies to the 2018 Grand Final and narrowly missed a premiership, critics argued that his rigid systems at times stifled player creativity.
By contrast, McRae, who took over in late 2021, ushered in a new era of freedom, flair, and fast-paced footy. His “connection culture” model transformed the locker room and resulted in the club’s first premiership in over a decade, earned with a dramatic 2023 victory.
Now, the thought of Buckley leading Melbourne against McRae’s Magpies in a future blockbuster is already sparking headlines and heated debates across sports media and fan forums alike.
Why Melbourne? Why Now?
Melbourne’s pursuit of Buckley is both ambitious and symbolic. With their 2021 premiership now fading in the rear-view mirror, and internal pressures mounting following inconsistent seasons, the club is desperate for a stabilizing, respected figure to restore discipline and direction.
Enter Buckley, who remains one of the most respected football minds in the country. Since leaving Collingwood, he has worked as a media analyst, occasionally commenting on McRae’s coaching strategies — often with subtle praise, but sometimes with pointed critique.
While he has kept a relatively low profile, insiders say Buckley has been “itching” to return to coaching, and that Melbourne’s elite midfield and defensive talent offers him a near-perfect platform to reestablish his legacy.
“It’s a club with pedigree, with passion, and with unfinished business,” said veteran AFL commentator Tim Watson. “If Bucks gets the job, he’s not walking in to rebuild — he’s walking in to win.”
Reactions From the AFL Community
The response to the leaked message and coaching rumors has been swift and divided.
Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury, who played under both Buckley and McRae, offered a diplomatic view:
“They’re both incredible leaders in their own ways. I don’t see this as a rivalry — I see it as a win for footy, honestly. Bucks has so much more to give to the game.”
Meanwhile, social media has exploded with speculation and emotion, with #BucksToMelbourne and #MessageToFly trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Some fans have praised Buckley’s class and apparent respect for McRae, while others are questioning the timing of his move.
“Why now? Feels like a betrayal,” one Collingwood supporter wrote on Reddit.
“Can’t believe Bucks might be coaching against us. Feels weird,” another commented on BigFooty.
The Bigger Picture: Collingwood, Culture, and the Future of Coaching
Beyond personal messages and coaching contracts, this moment also symbolizes a broader shift in AFL coaching culture — one increasingly shaped by emotional intelligence, leadership values, and inter-club respect.
McRae and Buckley represent different eras but also share common threads: both believe in building strong relationships, both are revered by players, and both have redefined leadership in their own ways.
If Buckley does indeed become the Melbourne Demons’ senior coach, as many now believe is inevitable, the 2026 fixture could contain one of the most anticipated coaching matchups in modern AFL history: McRae vs. Buckley — not just as rivals, but as reflective mentors of a game still evolving.
What Happens Next?
As of today, the Melbourne Football Club has yet to formally confirm Buckley’s appointment, but insiders suggest an official announcement could come as early as next week. The club’s board is reportedly in the final stages of contract negotiations, with terms believed to include a four-year deal and the potential inclusion of a former Collingwood assistant as part of his support staff.
Meanwhile, Collingwood has made no formal comment about the leaked message, though sources close to McRae suggest he “appreciated the sentiment” and remains focused on preparing the team for the upcoming draft period and pre-season training.
One thing is certain: if Buckley does return to the coaching box — this time in red and blue — the 2026 AFL season may be remembered not just for its goals and games, but for the personal saga of two men, one club, and the message that changed everything.
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