AFL world divided over Nathan Buckley update as Pies legend emerges as favourite for Dees top job
Buckley, who played for the Magpies before then taking them to the 2018 grand final as coach, has emerged as the leading contender to be the Demons' next coach after Simon Goodwin was sacked earlier this week.
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The 53-year-old told news.com.au earlier this year that a return to coaching appealed, but insisted he was happy with his current role with Fox Footy.
However, with the Demons' job opening up, Buckley appears to have had a change of mind, discreetly voicing his desire for the Melbourne top job.
John Longmire was understood to also be a top target of the Demons.
But on Saturday, he ruled himself out of any top job for the 2026 season, clearing the way for Buckley.
Many Demons fans are already licking their lips over the prospect of Buckley leading them in 2026; however, others were far from thrilled at having a coach who has previously coached an AFL rival.
'Bucks can rebuild the Dees,' one Demons fan wrote.
'What a scalp, lock him down Dees,' another added.
Others' reactions weren't as positive.
'I will projectile vomit and become a Giants fan,' another wrote.
'I would hate to see him coach the Demons,' a fourth said.
Buckley coached Collingwood from 2012 to 2021, before stepping down after a poor start to the 2021 season.
And speaking earlier this week, Buckley said he wasn't sure he was ready to give up his media roles to return to coaching but noted he was definitely open to the prospect of coaching the Demons.
'I would have a chat (with the Demons) but a lot would have to fall into place to leave this position of comfort I have found,' Buckley said on SEN on Wednesday.
'It's there (the coaching desire), otherwise it would be an easy no. I can't lie – when yesterday happened, I knew this would all come around again.
'Even in yourself, this brings a timeline forward again, if you feel like there's a case, if you like the people, if you see the opportunity to make a change and make a difference, then you're going to have to work that out quick smart.
'I expect the call will come. I will take the next steps as they come.'
And on Thursday, AFL champion Jason Dunstall revealed Buckley was 'missing coaching' and said his return to a top job was only a matter of time.
'Bucks would take a call from anyone, I would think,' Dunstall said after being inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
'I have a feeling he's missing coaching, he loves it and he's so intense about it.
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