Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has revealed his next move, with a stint in the commentary set to be his next chapter in football.
As first floated by SEN’s Tim Watson in July, Buckley will join Fox Footy’s game day coverage as well as appearing on the channel’s marquee shows.
Speaking to the Sunday Herald Sun, the Collingwood great said he wasn’t considering returning to ‘clubland’ in 2022.
“I determined really early that I would take some time to consider my next step in footy so returning to clubland in 2022 was off the table really quickly after leaving Collingwood,” Buckley said.
“The last few years have been tough on every single person and people who work in footy have been no different … longer hours, less pay, living away from home, losing colleagues, even more scrutiny than normal.
“The commitment required at club level is higher than at any time I can remember. You are in or out, there is no in-between.”
Since his departure as Magpies coach in June, Buckley has kept a low profile, telling the paper that he’s been happy to fly under the radar and spend time with his family.
“I’ve actually been really settled and comfortable flying under the radar,” Buckley said.
“I was very conscious that the club needed its space beyond my departure and I thought Robert Harvey and the leaders did a great job keeping the program together for the back half of the season.
“Extra time with my boys (Jett and Ayce) has been a definite advantage as well.”
Joining the likes of Garry Lyon, Jason Dunstall, Nick Riewoldt and Jonathan Brown behind the microphone has Buckley excited to join such a “well-respected” crew.
“The crew at Fox Footy get the game and relate it well to the viewers, I’m looking forward to being a part of that,” Buckley said.
“There are a lot of well-respected people in the industry and it will be fun to share what is happening and why with the panel and of course the viewers at home.”