Nathan Buckley signs two-year contract extension with Collingwood Magpies

Tom Naghten

Nathan Buckley signs two-year contract extension with Collingwood Magpies image

Collingwood have signed head coach Nathan Buckley to a two-year contract extension, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2021.

The 46-year-old was due to come out of contract at the end of the season, though after the side's significant improvement in 2018, a new deal was always likely.

After finishing 13th in 2017, Buckley led Collingwood to within five points of the premiership last season.

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This latest contract extension will take the former club captain's tenure in charge of the Pies to 10 years, the fourth longest in the club's history.

Collingwood CEO Mark Anderson announced the news to the Magpies playing group on Thursday morning.

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After a decorated 280-game playing career, including a Brownlow Medal and six best and fairests, Buckley took over from Mick Malthouse ahead of the 2012 season.

He has coached 162 matches, winning 87 for a record of 54 per cent.

After making the top eight in his first two seasons in charge, the Pies went on a four-year finals drought prior to 2018's third-placed finish.

"The two year extension reinforces the on-field progress and results that our team have achieved but also recognises the key leadership role Nathan has played in developing our culture and the deep connections that he has developed within the team and across our club,"  Anderson said.

"As deep as the disappointment of our grand final defeat was for all, our fans felt immensely proud of 'Bucks', of the players and of the manner in which the football club carried itself through the season."

About to enter his eighth season as Magpies coach, Buckley said he was pleased with the vote of confidence.

"It is a personal and professional privilege to be sharing in and, to a degree, shaping the evolution of a club that is very close to my heart," Buckey said.

"I thank Eddie, Mark and the hierarchy for their faith."

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.