Geelong Cats management has officially sacked Assistant Coach Nathan Buckley following what the club described as a “thorough internal review” into the team’s recent performance and overall football direction.
The announcement, delivered in a brief but pointed statement on Thursday morning, has sent shockwaves through the AFL community. Buckley, a former Collingwood premiership coach and one of the most respected football minds in the country, had joined Geelong’s coaching panel with high expectations. His arrival was seen as a bold move by the Cats — an effort to inject fresh ideas and hardened experience into a club determined to remain in premiership contention.
However, after a disappointing stretch of results and mounting pressure from supporters, the club’s leadership decided a change was necessary.
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking acknowledged Buckley’s contribution but said the decision was made in what management believes is the best interest of the football program.
“This was not an easy call,” Hocking said. “Nathan is a highly experienced coach who brought professionalism and insight to our group. But as a club, we have to make decisions that we believe give us the best chance of long-term success.”
Sources close to the club suggest tensions had grown behind the scenes in recent weeks. While there were no allegations of misconduct, differences in coaching philosophy and strategic direction reportedly emerged as Geelong struggled to find consistency on the field. The Cats, known for their structured ball movement and disciplined defensive system, appeared at times disjointed this season, prompting scrutiny from media and fans alike.
Buckley’s role had primarily focused on midfield development and tactical adjustments during matches. Despite some individual player improvements, the broader team performance failed to meet internal benchmarks. Several close losses, combined with a dip in contested possession numbers, intensified pressure on the coaching group.
Senior Coach Chris Scott expressed gratitude for Buckley’s professionalism throughout his tenure.
“Nathan handled himself with class,” Scott said. “He challenged our players and coaches in positive ways, and we respect the work he put in. Ultimately, though, we are accountable for our results.”
For Buckley, the dismissal marks another chapter in a long and high-profile football career. As a player, he was one of the AFL’s elite competitors. As a senior coach at Collingwood, he guided the Magpies to a Grand Final and remained a central figure in the league for years. His move into an assistant role at Geelong was viewed by many as a strategic reset — a chance to refine his craft in a new environment.
The reaction from fans has been mixed. Some believe the Cats needed to make a decisive move to spark change, while others argue that assistant coaches often shoulder blame for broader structural issues within clubs.
With the season entering a critical phase, Geelong now faces the challenge of regrouping quickly. An interim replacement is expected to be announced in the coming days, with internal candidates reportedly under consideration. The club remains adamant that its premiership window is still open, but this decision underscores the urgency felt at Kardinia Park.
As the AFL world digests the news, one thing is certain: the pressure to deliver results at Geelong has never been higher.
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