Buckley opts out of Dons, Blues coaching races after Tasmania snub

Nathan Buckley has declared he will not enter the coaching races for the vacant head coach positions at AFL clubs Essendon and Carlton. This decision follows his disappointment at being overlooked for the inaugural senior coaching role with the Tasmania Devils, a position ultimately awarded to Ken Hinkley.

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I haven't really reflected on where those roles sit, and I don't think I would enter those processes.

Buckley, who openly coveted the Tasmanian opportunity, stated his respect for the Devils' selection process and their choice of Hinkley. "I went home, kicked the dog, threw the toys out of the cot … because I was really keen on it," Buckley told Fox Footy, describing his initial reaction to the snub. He added, "I absolutely respect the process that the Devils have run, and I respect their decision with Ken as well."

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I went home, kicked the dog, threw the toys out of the cot … because I was really keen on it.

Despite the setback, Buckley remains adamant about his desire to return to an AFL head coaching role. However, he indicated that his most probable path forward is to continue in his current assistant coaching capacity at Geelong. "I have got an option for next year there and that is probably the most likely outcome," he said, emphasizing his commitment to the current season. "I am absolutely focused on the next six to 10 weeks with Geelong and how that plays out."

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I absolutely respect the process that the Devils have run, and I respect their decision with Ken as well. I am glad they have found their man, and they're really clear that Kenny is the guy for them.

Buckley acknowledged that the Tasmania decision represented a personal "fork in the road." He had deliberately returned to Geelong to position himself for the Devils' job. Now that this opportunity is off the table, he plans to take time after the season concludes to reassess his future coaching ambitions. "I will take some time to reassess what is after that," he stated.

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I am absolutely focused on the next six to 10 weeks with Geelong and how that plays out.