Collingwood football club has officially welcomed back club legend Nathan Buckley who will take on a major off-field role as the new executive chairman.
Buckley, a brown low medalist (2003), long-time time captain, and former senior coach,
Is set to usher in a new era of…………….
In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the AFL world, the Collingwood Football Club has officially welcomed back club legend Nathan Buckley. This time, not as a player or coach, but in a major off-field leadership capacity — as the club’s new Executive Chairman.
Buckley, a revered figure in Magpies history and a Brownlow Medalist in 2003, returns to the club where he captained with distinction and later served as senior coach for a decade. His appointment marks a defining moment for the organization, with many heralding it as the dawn of a bold new era both on and off the field.
Nathan Buckley’s history with Collingwood is nothing short of iconic. Having played 260 games for the club between 1994 and 2007, he became synonymous with elite professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment. As captain, he led from the front with courage and consistency. As coach, he guided Collingwood to multiple finals campaigns and a heartbreaking Grand Final draw and loss in 2010, before narrowly missing out on premiership glory in 2018.
Now, in 2025, Buckley returns to a different battlefield — the boardroom — with the same passion and vision that defined his playing and coaching days.
“This is more than a job for me,” Buckley said at the official unveiling on Friday morning. “Collingwood is part of my DNA. I’m deeply honoured to return in this capacity and help shape the future of the club I love.
As Executive Chairman, Buckley’s role will combine strategic leadership with a hands-on presence across football operations, governance, commercial growth, and supporter engagement. His appointment comes at a time when Collingwood is aiming to modernize its off-field structure while preserving its storied traditions.
Sources inside the club say Buckley’s influence is already being felt, particularly in areas such as cultural alignment, development pathways, and community connection — areas he has always championed.
“Nathan is not just a club legend — he’s a visionary leader,” said CEO Craig Kelly. “His understanding of high performance, people, and Collingwood’s identity is second to none. With him as Executive Chairman, we believe we are perfectly positioned to enter a new golden era.
Buckley’s return has been met with overwhelming support from fans, past players, and AFL figures. Social media erupted with heartfelt messages celebrating the return of one of the game’s greats to the club that shaped him.
Current captain Darcy Moore also praised the appointment, calling it “inspirational” and saying the players are “energized knowing someone of Buckley’s calibre and care is helping steer the club forward.”
While the announcement is being celebrated, Buckley’s new role won’t come without challenges. Collingwood faces intense competition on the field, evolving commercial pressures, and the ongoing responsibility of nurturing both Indigenous inclusion and mental health support — areas Buckley has championed in the past.
Still, few doubt his readiness to lead. Buckley has spent the last few years refining his voice as a media analyst and public speaker, gaining fresh perspective and insight into the broader landscape of sport, leadership, and culture.
“I’ve had time to reflect, grow, and learn,” Buckley shared. “Now, I feel equipped — more than ever — to help lead Collingwood into a strong, united, and sustainable future.
For Collingwood, this isn’t just the return of a club legend — it’s a statement of intent. With Nathan Buckley as Executive Chairman, the Magpies are embracing both their proud past and their boundless potential.
As the black-and-white army looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, one thing is clear: the Buckley legacy at Collingwood is far from finished — in fact, it may just be entering its most powerful chapter yet.