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About Nathan Buckley
About Nathan Buckley
In his 16-year career, Nathan Buckley became one of the AFL's most decorated and respected players. He's a coach of the future, but first he will bring his uncompromising views and rare football insights to the readers of The Age, every Saturday, throughout the 2008 season.
Dreaming the grand dream
Today you'll play your first AFL grand final. It's time to rise and shine.
Malthouse's record has the final say
Two critical elements combine to make Malthouse-coached teams so
successful in the heat of finals football
List management light years away from 'T' word
Tanking is a dirty word for AFL clubs, but it is a valid strategy to take list-management decisions focusing on the long-term future.
The Magpies should keep Alan Didak
Collingwood has not yet exhausted its options in turning around the career of it errant star.
Why Robert Harvey is my favourite player
"At what point did you feel like you had made it in the AFL?" Robert Harvey replied: "I've never felt that I have."
Talent opens doors and then the hard work starts
Young hopefuls must take their chance. If they falter, there are plenty in the queue to replace them.
Football becomes big business
Chris Judd's move revealed much about the changing face of the game.
Buckley coaches the Cats
As stated after last week's battle against Fremantle, "we just play footy" and that's exactly what we'll do today - we know our best is good enough.
Cloke earns his stripes with Magpies
Travis Cloke did not simply assume a spot would be his. He wanted to know he had earned it - and he has.
Twilight zone awaits them all, even the best
Inspirational veterans do it tough and, as the game evolves, it's only going to get tougher.
Buckley's Toughest 10
During the week, the 1989 Hawthorn premiership team was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Success and the unsociable
The Hawks have embraced a hard brand of football and have an unbeaten record to show for it.
Life goes on after retirement
Some footballers know when their playing career is coming to an end. Others have no say in it.
Playing through (private) pain
All footballers carry the burden of personal issues, it's just a matter of how they cope with them.
How to tear up the tag trade
Tagging is a part of the game and the better players know how to deal with it.
Truth about Anzac Day 1995
I wasn't the only one who thought Sav was a good option before the siren blew for a draw.
Being benched is not a drag
The physical and tactical demands of the modern game have made the interchange a valuable weapon.
Tough task for Buddy busters
Lance Franklin is the most sublimely talented player in the AFL. He is quick, he is strong, he is skilled and he is confident.
Judging your own is a captain's task
'WHEN I talk to you, I feel like you're just waiting for the next opportunity to speak." That's what a young Heath Scotland said to me in a discussion in a corridor at Victoria Park in the last few weeks of the 2000 season.
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