“I grew up watching Bucks play,” said Moore. “To have him back at the club is surreal. He brings a sense of pride and purpose that lifts the whole group.”
Veteran midfielder Scott Pendlebury, who played under Buckley for nearly a decade, shared similar sentiments.
“Nathan shaped my career,” said Pendlebury. “He taught us professionalism, commitment, and resilience. The boys are buzzing.”
### A Strategic Masterstroke?
Some experts are calling the move a “strategic masterstroke” by the Collingwood board. AFL commentator and former great Gerard Healy said on SEN Radio, “This is bold — but brilliant. Buckley knows the DNA of Collingwood. He’s walked these halls, bled on this ground. This could be the catalyst for another dynasty.”
Others, however, are urging caution, citing Buckley’s mixed record in finals and concerns about whether the modern game has evolved past his previous coaching style. Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas tweeted:
> “I hope Bucks has updated his playbook. The AFL of 2025 is very different from 2015. But you can’t fault his passion.”
### Looking Ahead
Buckley’s first game back in charge will be next Friday night against arch-rivals Carlton at the MCG — a blockbuster fixture that’s now taken on even more magnitude. Tickets are expected to sell out within hours, and club officials are preparing for one of the loudest crowds in years.
The club has also confirmed a special pre-match ceremony to honor Buckley’s return, with a planned tribute video, fireworks, and a banner reading “Welcome Home, Bucks.”
Whether this fairy tale return results in silverware remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — the heart of Collingwood is beating louder than ever.
### Final Words
Nathan Buckley’s return to Collingwood as senior coach is more than just a headline — it’s a revival of a bond that has defined one of the AFL’s most storied clubs. His legacy is already legendary, but as of today, a new chapter begins.
