Leaving Was the Only Decision: Nathan Buckley’s Shock Exit From Collingwood
When Nathan Buckley announced in June 2021 that he would step down as Collingwood’s senior coach, the football world paused. For some, it was unexpected, even shocking. For others, it was the natural conclusion to a story that had stretched almost a decade in the coach’s box and decades in black and white as a player, captain, and leader. Buckley himself summed it up with striking clarity: leaving was the only decision. To understand why, one must revisit his tenure, the mounting pressures, and the cultural challenges that ultimately convinced him his time was over.
A Legendary Magpie
Buckley’s connection to Collingwood is unique. As a player, he was the heartbeat of the club—tough, precise, relentlessly professional. He won a Brownlow Medal, multiple Copeland Trophies, and earned universal respect for his consistency. But his playing career was also defined by near misses: Grand Final heartbreak in 2002 and 2003, the sense of being close but not quite able to lift the ultimate prize.
When he transitioned to coaching, Collingwood believed they had the perfect figure to lead them into a new era. Appointed senior coach in 2012 after a planned handover from Mick Malthouse, Buckley brought intellect, discipline, and a deep understanding of the club’s culture. Over nearly a decade, he guided the Magpies through highs and lows, most notably the 2018 Grand Final appearance where they came within a kick of glory against West Coast.
Yet the narrative of near misses, of promise without fulfilment, continued to haunt his coaching career just as it had defined his playing days.
The 2021 Turning Point
By early 2021, Collingwood were struggling. Their on-field form was patchy, the list had been weakened by controversial trade decisions, and fans were restless. After eleven rounds, the Magpies were languishing near the bottom of the ladder. The pressure on Buckley intensified as questions swirled about whether his voice still resonated with the playing group.
Behind the scenes, the club was also undergoing upheaval. Eddie McGuire, long-time president and Buckley’s most powerful ally, had resigned earlier that year following the fallout from the “Do Better” report into systemic racism at Collingwood. A new leadership team was emerging, and with it a new appetite for change. Buckley found himself increasingly isolated within a structure that looked very different from the one he had thrived in.
Faced with dwindling results, a changing administration, and cultural scrutiny, Buckley recognised the inevitable. His contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but rather than limp through to the finish, he chose to bow out early—after the Queen’s Birthday clash with Melbourne. The announcement stunned the AFL community, but Buckley insisted that stepping away mid-season was the right call, both for himself and for the club.
Why Leaving Was the Only Decision
Several interlocking reasons made Buckley’s departure feel unavoidable.
1. The need for a fresh start
After nine and a half years at the helm, Buckley sensed that his message no longer carried the same spark. Every coach has a shelf life, and in modern football, ten seasons is an eternity. “The club needs a new voice,” he admitted, acknowledging that a fresh perspective was required to lift Collingwood from stagnation.
2. Declining performance
Results are the currency of coaching. Collingwood’s 2021 season was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of scoring power. The rebuild seemed inevitable, but Buckley was not the man to oversee it. A coach who had always been associated with chasing premiership success was now faced with the prospect of several lean years. Rather than reinvent himself for a long rebuild, he chose to step aside.
3. Cultural and leadership pressures
The “Do Better” report had rocked Collingwood. Issues of cultural safety and systemic racism within the club placed additional pressure on all leaders, Buckley included. While not the central figure in that saga, he was nonetheless part of the leadership framework that critics argued had failed to address these issues sooner. For Buckley, it was another sign that his chapter was closing.
4. Shifting governance
With McGuire gone and a new president, Mark Korda, stepping in, the political dynamics at the club shifted dramatically. Football directors, board members, and executives wanted change. Buckley, who had enjoyed the strong backing of McGuire for years, no longer had the same level of institutional support.
5. Personal realisation
Perhaps most tellingly, Buckley admitted that he no longer had the same energy to fight for his position. After nearly a decade of relentless scrutiny and pressure, he recognised the toll it had taken. To continue would have been to ignore his own instincts. Leaving, then, was not just a professional decision—it was a personal necessity.
Legacy and Reaction
Reactions to Buckley’s resignation were mixed but largely respectful. Many applauded his honesty and his willingness to put the club ahead of his own ambitions. Players and staff acknowledged his tireless work ethic and the stability he provided through turbulent times. Fans, though disappointed by the lack of ultimate success, recognised his deep love for the black and white jumper.
Buckley’s legacy at Collingwood is complex. He was not a premiership coach, but he was a man who embodied the club’s values of resilience and commitment. He navigated scandals, injuries, and near misses with dignity. His 2018 Grand Final campaign remains a highlight, a reminder of how close he came to etching his name into coaching immortality.
Lessons Beyond Football
Buckley’s departure offers broader lessons for leadership in any field. Longevity can be both a blessing and a curse; staying too long risks diminishing impact. Leaders are judged not only on results but also on their ability to adapt to cultural and institutional change. Perhaps most importantly, true leadership sometimes means knowing when to step away.
In Buckley’s case, leaving was not a sign of failure but of self-awareness. He understood that clinging on would serve neither himself nor Collingwood. By exiting gracefully, he preserved his dignity and allowed the club to embrace renewal.
What Comes Next
For Collingwood, Buckley’s departure opened the door to a new era. It forced the club to rethink its culture, rebuild its list, and reset expectations. For Buckley, the future remains open—media roles, coaching elsewhere, or time away from the game entirely. Regardless of what lies ahead, his impact on Collingwood is indelible.
In the end, Nathan Buckley’s words resonate with clarity: leaving was the only decision. It was the conclusion of a long journey marked by loyalty, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—even when the ultimate prize remained just out of reach.
