Nathan Buckley was taken aback by Geelong’s ability to place the “onus” on its players to drive their own programs.
Buckley made a shock return to the coaching ranks following the announcement that he joined the Cats as an assistant under Chris Scott.
It is widely believed that the 2003 Brownlow medallist is readying his preparedness for a full-time return as Tasmania’s main man.
Buckley’s appointment promises to fill the void left by Steven King, who, coincidentally, was appointed the Melbourne Demons coach, a position the former considered.
But the acquisition of the highly decorated player and successful coach could be another weapon for Scott and his team, who have already impressed Buckley in the short time he’s been at the club.
“I think this group have been successful for a long time. I suppose it is a little bit about how much the onus is on the players themselves, to drive their program and their own development,” he said on Monday.
“It is something that has been very Geelong, it has been something that I have known about.
“To witness that and to see it in practice, I just think the players have a lot of autonomy and a lot of control on what takes place, which at this early stage is pretty fascinating.
“There is a lot of grey area in this program; they leave the question hanging, they don’t have to come to an answer in the immediate tense.
“That provides a fair bit of creativity, so that is what I have noted and what I am looking forward to.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 28: Magpies coach, Nathan Buckley speaks to the media after a Collingwood Magpies AFL training session at Holden Centre on April 28, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Buckley was also quizzed about his affiliation with the top Devils job.
The 19th AFL license is set to learn its fate on a new stadium this week as the vote heads to the upper house of Tasmania.
“Obviously, it’s a big week for Tassie footy club and getting that stadium and the licence over the line,” he said.
“So I’m an observer watching that, and I suppose, optimistic about what that means for both Tassie footy and the competition.”
Buckley didn’t shy away from announcing his senior coaching aspirations.
“Would I have stepped into this if I didn’t want to get back into the main role? I don’t think I would have,” Buckley said.
“This opportunity is – look, I pinched myself when it came around. It happened really quickly.
“But yes, I think I determined over the last 18 months and more so over the last couple of months before this opportunity became available, that I’d love to get back into the team environment.
“And already, the early stages – I’ve got a smile on my face to jump out of bed, get involved with a group that are working towards being better, supporting each other. It’s what footy clubs are all about, and I’m loving it.”