Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking Makes Bold Call to Sack Assistant Coach Nathan Buckley
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking has sent shockwaves through the AFL landscape with the bold decision to sack assistant head coach Nathan Buckley, a move that has ignited debate across the football world and underscored the club’s uncompromising pursuit of success. The decision, while confronting, reflects Geelong’s long-standing philosophy of ruthless self-assessment and accountability at every level of the football department.
Buckley, one of the most high-profile figures in modern AFL history, joined Geelong’s coaching panel with enormous expectations. A former Brownlow Medalist and long-serving Collingwood senior coach, his appointment was widely viewed as a major coup — a strategic addition aimed at injecting fresh perspective, tactical insight, and big-game experience into the Cats’ coaching framework. However, according to club insiders, the reality did not fully align with the club’s long-term vision.
In explaining the decision, Hocking emphasized that performance alone was not the sole factor. Instead, the call was rooted in alignment, cohesion, and the club’s broader direction. “This wasn’t an easy decision,” Hocking said in a statement. “Nathan is a respected figure in our game, but as a club we have to ensure every part of our football program is fully aligned with where we’re heading. After extensive review, we felt a change was necessary.”
Sources close to the club suggest that philosophical differences played a significant role. Geelong has built its success on a tightly integrated coaching structure, where collaboration, adaptability, and player-centric development are paramount. While Buckley brought strong tactical acumen and leadership credentials, there were concerns about fit within the existing system and the clarity of roles across the coaching group.
Hocking’s move reinforces Geelong’s reputation as one of the AFL’s most decisive and forward-thinking clubs. Over the past two decades, the Cats have consistently remained competitive, not by clinging to big names, but by prioritising system integrity and cultural alignment. In that context, the decision to part ways with a figure of Buckley’s stature is seen internally as a necessary step rather than a dramatic one.
Reaction across the AFL community has been swift and divided. Some have praised Hocking for having the courage to make a tough call in the best interests of the club, while others have questioned whether Buckley was afforded enough time to make a meaningful impact. Former players and commentators have highlighted the pressure that comes with elite coaching environments, particularly at a club with Geelong’s expectations.
From Geelong’s perspective, the timing of the decision is deliberate. With the club focused on both immediate contention and long-term sustainability, Hocking was adamant that hesitation would only create uncertainty. “Clarity is important,” he said. “For our players and coaches to perform at their best, roles and direction must be clear.”
Buckley, in a brief response, thanked the club for the opportunity and maintained his professionalism. “I respect the decision and wish the Cats every success moving forward,” he said. His departure closes another chapter in a career that continues to attract intrigue, and speculation has already begun about where he may land next within the football industry.
Ultimately, Steve Hocking’s decision is a reminder that at the elite level, reputation offers no immunity. For Geelong, the priority remains sustained excellence, not sentiment. Whether the move proves successful will be judged over time, but one thing is clear: the Cats are willing to make bold calls to protect their standards — even when it means cutting ties with one of the biggest names in the game.
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