<h2>Nathan Buckley Joins Geelong as Assistant Coach – Three Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Former Collingwood superstar Nathan Buckley joins Geelong as assistant coach for the 2026 AFL season.</p> <p>- The 2003 Brownlow medallist will maintain his Fox Footy analyst roles alongside his coaching return.</p> <p>- Buckley remains focused on the Tasmania Devils inaugural coaching opportunity for 2028.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Buckley's Dual Role Strategy</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Nathan Buckley has secured his return to AFL coaching after confirming his appointment as an assistant coach with Geelong for the 2026 season.</p> <p>The former Collingwood champion will balance his coaching duties with his established media career at Fox Footy, where he remains one of the competition's most respected analysts.</p> <p>The 53-year-old will continue featuring on Fox Footy's flagship program On the Couch and providing match commentary while working with the Cats' coaching staff.</p> <p>This dual arrangement demonstrates Buckley's strategic approach to remaining connected with both the tactical and analytical sides of Australian Rules Football.</p> <p>Geelong's executive general manager of football Andrew Mackie welcomed the appointment, highlighting Buckley's industry reputation and experience.</p> <p>The Cats view his addition as bringing fresh perspective and expertise to their coaching group as they continue their premiership aspirations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Melbourne Opportunity Passes</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Buckley's coaching return comes after being overlooked for Melbourne's senior coaching position, with the Demons ultimately selecting Geelong assistant Steven King.</p> <p>The former Magpies coach acknowledged the decision was correct, explaining that Melbourne deserved a coach who was completely committed to their specific timeline and requirements.</p> <p>The timing conflict between potential opportunities played a crucial role in Buckley's decision-making process.</p> <p>Rather than compromise his long-term coaching ambitions for an immediate senior role, Buckley chose to maintain flexibility for what he considers a more attractive opportunity.</p> <p>This calculated approach reflects Buckley's strategic thinking about his coaching career trajectory, prioritising the right fit over immediate gratification in the competitive AFL coaching landscape.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tasmania Devils Ambition</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Buckley's primary coaching ambition remains focused on leading Tasmania's inaugural AFL team when the Devils enter the competition in 2028.</p> <p>The former Brownlow medallist has consistently expressed stronger attraction to this pioneering role compared to other available positions.</p> <p>The Tasmania coaching opportunity represents a unique challenge in modern AFL history - building a club from the ground up and establishing competitive foundations in Australia's premier football competition.</p> <p>Buckley views this as potentially career-defining work that outweighs traditional senior coaching appointments.</p> <p>His current arrangement with Geelong provides valuable preparation for this ultimate goal, allowing him to refresh his coaching skills and maintain connections within AFL systems.</p> <p>The assistant role offers practical experience while preserving his eligibility for Tasmania's historic appointment.</p> <p>Buckley's decision demonstrates patience and strategic career planning, recognising that coaching Tasmania's first AFL team could represent the pinnacle achievement for any Australian football coach.</p> <p>The Devils' entry marks a significant expansion of the AFL competition, creating unprecedented opportunities for coaches willing to embrace the challenge of establishing new football traditions.</p> <p>This appointment timeline allows Buckley to contribute meaningfully to Geelong's success while positioning himself as the ideal candidate for Tasmania's groundbreaking coaching role when the time arrives.</p> <p>Will the addition of Buckley to their coaching staff help launch Geelong to the premiership? See where they are currently sitting in the odds for the 2026 flag below.</p>