AFL Victoria is pleased to announce the appointment of AFL great Nathan Buckley as Victoria Country Under-16 coach. In a major coup, Collingwood great Nathan Buckley will coach the Victoria Country team at this year’s AFL Under-16 National Championships. Buckley replaces AFL Victoria High Performance Manager Leon Harris, who has been Victoria Country Under-16 coach for the past decade. Following his distinguished 280 game AFL career at Brisbane and Collingwood, Buckley is now focused on entering AFL coaching ranks in the future. Buckley sees his new role as a great opportunity to learn about the future talent in Victoria’s country regions and also has the chance to cut his teeth in the coaching arena. “This is an exciting challenge to work with the elite junior players from Victorian country regions,” Buckley said. Harris will oversee the Victoria Country program and mentor Buckley during this exciting period. Players of recent times to enter Victoria’s high performance program from the country include 2008 AFL draftees Steele Sidebottom, Jack Ziebell and Luke Rounds as well as established AFL players Joel Selwood, Travis Boak and Mitchell and Nathan Brown. Stamping the importance of Buckley’s role in gearing boys for the elite level, half the players on AFL Grand Final Day on the MCG were Victoria Country players including Gary Ablett, Luke Hodge, Jarryd Roughead and Joel Selwood. Harris said AFL Victoria was thrilled to have acquired Buckley’s services. “Nathan brings a wealth of expertise to the role and his guidance will be crucial in he development of our brightest talents from country Victoria,” Harris said.
Last Modified on 30/03/2009 23:01
