‘Too quick’: Buckley reveals build-up to Dees’ coaching call... and drops key Tassie clue

Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has spoken hours after Melbourne announced Steven King as their new head coach for 2026, after firming as one of the final five contenders for the vacancy.

Fox Footy commentator and veteran journalist Gerard Whateley broke the news of King’s appointment on Friday afternoon, who usurped four other contenders for the top job.

Speaking on Fox Footy in the build-up to the Adelaide vs. Hawthorn semi-final, the former Magpies coach was quick to congratulate the current Geelong midfield coach on his new appointment.

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“First, congratulations to Steven King and the Melbourne Football Club for being able to make this appointment,” Buckley began.

“I was asked that question (of whether I would take the job today if offered). I said I needed until Wednesday morning. I’m meeting with Tassie on Tuesday, and I needed a little bit more of an insight into that process, and their timeline before I was able to make a final call on whether I was willing to step into the Melbourne role.

“There was a couple of other things I was prosecuting and looking at as well, that as Gerard just detailed, when you’ve been there before you’re probably looking at a few different things than you would if you’re a first time coach.”

The Demons’ process to replace premiership coach Simon Goodwin was earmarked by some as a “boat rate”, which would have seen Buckley take the job if he wanted it.

But the 2003 Brownlow Medalist was a firm believer that their manhunt was run professionally and concisely.

“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.

“I presented on Monday morning, and then went back for another chat on Thursday morning. The presentation was about ‘who are you, and what’s your coaching philosophy’ — and then answer the questions for about an hour that they had.

“There wasn’t a lot of to and fro, so it was a lot of information gathering from Melbourne. 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.”

And despite not banking the Melbourne coaching role, Buckley revealed he will still continue dialogue with inaugural Tasmania Devils chief executive Brendon Gale ahead of their anticipated arrival as the AFL’s 19th team in season 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.”

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