Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has shared his thoughts following the announcement that Steven King will take over as Melbourne’s head coach in 2026. This decision was revealed just hours before Buckley spoke on the matter, with King emerging as the successful candidate among five contenders for the coveted position.
Veteran journalist Gerard Whateley broke the news on Friday afternoon, highlighting King’s triumph over four other hopefuls. Speaking on Fox Footy ahead of the Adelaide vs. Hawthorn semi-final, Buckley extended his congratulations to King, who is currently serving as Geelong’s midfield coach.
“First, congratulations to Steven King and the Melbourne Football Club for being able to make this appointment,” Buckley stated.
The announcement comes as Buckley himself was considered a strong contender for the role. However, he revealed that he needed more time to decide, citing a scheduled meeting with Tasmania’s AFL team as a factor in his decision-making process.
Behind the Scenes of Melbourne’s Coaching Decision
The Demons’ search for a new coach began after the departure of premiership coach Simon Goodwin. Some insiders described the process as a “boat race,” suggesting Buckley could have secured the position if he had pursued it aggressively. Nonetheless, Buckley praised the club’s approach, emphasizing its professionalism and transparency.
“It was an honest process. It was a transparent process from my part for Melbourne and I; at no stage were we unaware of the reality of the situation, and I felt like it was respectful,” Buckley continued.
Buckley detailed his involvement, which included a presentation on Monday morning and a follow-up discussion on Thursday. He described the process as swift, noting that it moved too quickly for his personal timeline.
“When you look at the process, it’s happened really quickly from Monday morning — too quickly for me, and that’s fine. Melbourne feel they’ve got their man, and that’s really all that matters for them.”
Nathan Buckley’s Future Prospects
Despite not securing the Melbourne coaching role, Buckley remains engaged with the AFL community. He is set to continue discussions with Brendon Gale, the inaugural chief executive of the Tasmania Devils, as the team prepares to join the AFL as its 19th team in 2028.
“That’s been in place for a week and a half now, so I’ll sit down with Brendon again. We’ve had chats periodically along the way … there’s still a little bit to play out, but that’ll take place,” Buckley explained.
This development follows a period of speculation about Buckley’s next career move, with many in the AFL world watching closely. His decision to engage with Tasmania’s new team suggests a potential leadership role in the league’s expansion efforts.
Implications for the AFL Coaching Landscape
The appointment of Steven King as Melbourne’s head coach marks a significant shift in the AFL coaching landscape. King’s experience with Geelong’s midfield and his reputation as a strategic thinker make him a promising choice for the Demons.
Meanwhile, Buckley’s continued involvement in the AFL, particularly with the Tasmania Devils, highlights the dynamic nature of coaching careers within the league. As teams like Tasmania prepare to enter the competition, experienced figures like Buckley may play crucial roles in shaping their early success.
As the AFL community digests these developments, the focus will likely shift to how King will lead Melbourne in the coming years and what role Buckley will ultimately play in Tasmania’s AFL journey.
