Overview

• Geelong confirmed Buckley’s appointment to Chris Scott’s staff, with football boss Andrew Mackie praising his experience and clear appetite to coach again.
• The role is a full-time position for the 2026 season, and reporting indicates he may still undertake limited media work with Fox Footy.
• Tasmania Football Club congratulated Buckley and described his return to coaching as a positive step should he seek an AFL senior role in the future.
• Buckley has held discussions with Devils CEO Brendon Gale and remains widely reported as a leading candidate for the club’s inaugural coaching job in 2028.
• His arrival helps fill the vacancy created after Steven King left Geelong to become Melbourne’s senior coach, following Buckley’s own period out of club coaching since 2021.