The Sydney Morning Herald logo
The Sydney Morning Herald logo

Nathan Buckley

Advertisement
The coaching race between the Bombers, Devils and Blues has heated right up.

Don’t believe the memes: Why Gale couldn’t care less about rival coach searches

Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale is confident the right person for the job will be all-in on the Apple Isle.

  • Bridget McArthur

Latest

Carlton caretaker coach Josh Fraser.

Dead cat bounce? Fraser snared a win for Carlton, but he is right to stay the course

The way Steven King has handled Melbourne in his fledgling senior career offers the case to support Carlton’s intent to run a process to find the next coach.

  • Michael Gleeson
In the hot seat: Ken Hinkley coached Port Adelaide for 13 seasons.

‘I did meet with them two weeks ago’: Hinkley ducks and weaves on Tasmania coaching question

Ken Hinkley says he’s “not committed to doing any coaching jobs” after the experienced AFL coach was named as the new favourite to take the reins at Tasmania. Meanwhile, the AFL has explained why it’s opted for two matches on a Friday night a number of times this season.

  • Peter Ryan, Hannah Kennelly, Scott Spits and Shayne Hope
Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley appears to smear his own blood on the jumper of Geelong midfielder Cameron Ling during a 2002 clash at the MCG.
Video icon0:38

Nathan Buckley wipes blood on the jumper of Cameron Ling in 2002 clash

Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley appears to smear his own blood on the jumper of Geelong midfielder Cameron Ling during a 2002 clash at the MCG.

Despite having the lowest membership in the AFL, Gold Coast’s round 18 game against Collingwood had a huge TV following.

Viewers loved the Suns v Pies. Here’s why that matters for footy on TV in 2026

Once upon a time, the biggest clubs dominated footy’s premium timeslots. But times, and viewing habits, are changing, and that will spark a new approach to the AFL fixture.

  • Jon Pierik
Back on the tools: Nathan Buckley after his last match as Magpies’ coach in 2021.

Nathan Buckley joins Chris Scott at Geelong; Tarryn Thomas’ path cleared to AFL return

Buckley made the call to join Geelong in 2026 as an assistant coach, but the Tasmania Devils job could still be his. Meanwhile, Thomas could yet return to footy’s top flight.

  • Jon Pierik and Peter Ryan
Advertisement
Biding time: Magpies assistant Hayden Skipworth wants to develop further

Melbourne coaching race down to five as highly rated assistant withdraws

The race for the vacant Demons role is down to five, while Nathan Buckley remains favourite – despite the Tasmania Devils still being interested in recruiting the 53-year-old to be their first coach.

  • Jake Niall and Peter Ryan
Fitting farewell: Nat Fyfe of the Dockers acknowledges the fans in round 14.

Two-time Brownlow winner to call it quits; Second premiership coach withdraws from Dees’ race

Nat Fyfe will retire at the end of the AFL season, Carlton have stepped up their pursuit of a Gold Coast forward and Adam Simpson has become the second premiership coach to withdraw from the Melbourne coaching race.

  • Michael Gleeson, Jon Pierik and Peter Ryan
John Longmire coached Sydney to five grand finals for one premiership, and is likely to be sounded out for the Melbourne coaching job.

Longmire, Simpson leave door ajar to approach for Demons coaching job, Buckley tempted

After sacking Simon Goodwin, the Demons could end up with a stellar field of candidates for their coaching job. While James Hird and Ken Hinkley appear out of the race, John Longmire, Adam Simpson and Nathan Buckley have not ruled themselves out.

  • Andrew Wu and Jon Pierik
President Brad Green is expected to be on a panel that chooses the next coach.

Melbourne’s first phone call must be to this man, ex-coach says

The contenders to replace Simon Goodwin, who was dumped as Melbourne coach after nine seasons at the helm.

  • Jake Niall, Andrew Wu and Jon Pierik