Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has joined Geelong as an assistant under Chris Scott in a surprise move ahead of a likely appointment as Tasmania’s inaugural coach.

Buckley had been the frontrunner to replace Simon Goodwin as coach of Melbourne, but was overlooked for Stephen King when it became clear he had more interest in the Tassie job.

He remains the Devils’ first preference to become their coach when they enter the competition, which is slated for 2028.

In the meantime, Buckley will assimilate back into AFL coaching at Kardinia Park.

“We are excited to add Nathan to our club and more specifically to our coaching group,” Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie said on Tuesday.

“He is respected and highly regarded across the football industry and brings a wealth of exper

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