In a significant development for the AFL coaching landscape, celebrated former Collingwood mentor Nathan Buckley has declared he will not be throwing his hat into the ring for the highly coveted head coaching vacancies at either Essendon or Carlton.

Buckley’s announcement follows his recent disappointment at being overlooked for the inaugural senior coaching role with the Tasmania Devils, a position that ultimately went to former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley. While candid about his ambition to return to a senior coaching post, Buckley indicated he would not be engaging in the current selection processes for the Bombers or Blues.

"I haven't really reflected on where those roles sit, and I don't think I would enter those processes," Buckley stated in a recent media appearance. His comments signal a clear shift in his immediate coaching aspirations, at least concerning the two prominent Victorian clubs currently searching for new leadership.

Tasmania Snub a "Fork in the Road"

Buckley openly admitted his deep commitment to securing the Tasmania Devils job, a role he actively pursued. "I went home, kicked the dog, threw the toys out of the cot… because I was really keen on it," he shared, highlighting the personal investment he had made. He expressed respect for the Devils' selection process and their decision to appoint Hinkley, acknowledging they found "their man" and were clear that Hinkley was the right choice for them.

The former Magpies boss described the Devils' decision as a personal "fork in the road," suggesting it necessitated a re-evaluation of his immediate career path. His return to the coaching fold as an assistant at Geelong was, in part, a strategic move to prepare himself for a senior role like the one offered by the new Tasmanian club.

Commitment to Geelong, Future Aspirations Undimmed

With the Tasmania opportunity now off the table, Buckley's immediate focus remains firmly with the Geelong Cats, where he serves as an assistant coach under Chris Scott. "I am absolutely focused on the next six to 10 weeks with Geelong and how that plays out," he affirmed. He also revealed that remaining with the Cats in 2027 is "probably the most likely outcome," as he currently holds an option for next year.

Despite the recent setbacks, Buckley's ambition to lead an AFL club again remains steadfast. "Yeah. I determined that about 12 months ago," he responded when asked if he remained committed to becoming a head coach again. "That is what I believe I am capable of doing. It's what I want to do." This strong conviction suggests that while he may be stepping back from current vacancies, his long-term goal of a second senior coaching stint is very much alive.

Buckley's decision leaves Essendon and Carlton to continue their coaching searches without one of the sport's most experienced and high-profile figures in contention, as the former champion looks to reassess his next move following his tenure with the Cats.