Collingwood's AFL resurgence a victory for Nathan Buckley...

[WhyPhilWhy?]

Collingwood's AFL resurgence a victory for Nathan Buckley and Magpies' astute planning
By Offsiders columnist Richard Hinds

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-20/collingwood-afl-rise-down-to-nathan-buckley-and-astute-planning/10137950

Collingwood is back in the AFL finals, a proposition that would have surprised many of its then unusually pessimistic army of supporters at the start of the season as much as it would have sent a shudder through those who have enjoyed four Magpie-free Septembers.

Six seasons under coach Nathan Buckley during which the Collingwood made a steady descent — fourth, sixth, 11th, 12th, 12th, 13th — left the self-proclaimed "biggest club in Australia" in apparent disarray.

No coach in VFL/AFL history had survived such continually diminishing returns — let alone at a club where the burden of (often unmet) expectation has crushed many.

So when Collingwood president Eddie McGuire and his board chose to extend Buckley's deal by two years, not usher him back to a more comfortable life in the commentary box, it was feared — or, from the rest of the competition, hoped — the Magpies were doubling down on failure.

It was not just the conspiracy theorists on the fan websites who felt McGuire's strong relationship with Buckley had caused the president to spare a favourite son.

Buckley's failure would have been McGuire's failure given the president had hatched the succession plan that saw Buckley replace 2010 premiership coach Mick Malthouse. Was McGuire doing more to save Buckley than he would anyone else to spare his own blushes or for the greater good of the club?

So when the Magpies confirmed their return to the finals after five years with a stirring 51-point victory over Port Adelaide on Saturday, the obvious narrative was Buckley, and by extension McGuire, had proven the critics wrong.

And certainly Buckley deserves enormous credit for Collingwood's largely unexpected renaissance.
Nathan Buckley and Eddie McGuire at a Collingwood media conference.
Photo: Nathan Buckley (L) and Eddie McGuire speak to the media in 2017. (AAP: Julian Smith)

A less self-assured character might have buckled under the pressure. Instead Buckley has led the Magpies back up the ladder despite a long list of injuries with a calm, thoughtful and engaging manner that has made him an unlikely favourite with even some rival supporters.

Yet while Buckley has been transformed from pariah to messiah, the full story of Collingwood's rise is not merely that of a struggling coach rewarding the faith shown in him. It is about what the Magpies did to make Buckley's job easier.

David Williamson wrote his popular play The Club about Collingwood of the 1970s, portraying a defiant rise despite the worst intentions of a shambolic, bumbling and inevitably corrupt administration crippled by its once glorious history.

Should these Magpies make the still unlikely leap from finals contender to premier, the movie version should be called The Review. Although rather than an endearing tale of victory against the odds, it would by a bone dry corporate video extolling the virtues of "processes" and "governance".

Buckley would have a prominent role. But the stars would be consultant Peter Murphy and football manager Geoff Walsh, whose thorough review of the club's operations preceded this season's success.

As a result of the review, Collingwood meticulously selected a new chief executive from outside the inner-sanctum, astutely re-stocked its stable of assistant coaches, returned its list manager Derek Hine to his previously successful role of recruiting and, most controversially, did not sack the coach.

Those used to traditional football bloodlust assumed the Magpies were merely rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. Instead, the success of these and other changes brought about by the review have proven what several rival clubs believed — the Magpies were capable of much better given the talent at their disposal.
Magpies' Buckley template set to be copied

There would be some irony if Collingwood played Richmond during the finals, given the Magpies have flattered the Tigers by imitating the Punt Road review that saved the job of now-premiership coach Damien Hardwick.

In turn, St Kilda coach Alan Richardson might thank the Magpies should he survive despite the Saints' poor season. Richmond and now Collingwood's success has created a template whereby clubs ask themselves what can be done to save a coach, not merely whether they can afford to pay out his contract.

A corollary of this philosophy is that it proves in some senses the influence of the head coach is now overstated.
Travis Varcoe and Brody Mihocek celebrate a Collingwood goal.
Photo: Travis Varcoe (R) celebrates with Brody Mihocek during the Magpies' win over Port Adelaide on Saturday. (AAP: David Crosling)

Unlike the days when the fortunes of clubs rose and fell on the back of legendary figures such as Jock McHale, Norm Smith, John Kennedy, Ron Barassi and Kevin Sheedy, very few coaches can now succeed without the right support in list management, player development, assistant coaching as well as a strong front office.

This is not to downplay Buckley's role in Collingwood's rise. When the perceived weaknesses at Collingwood were addressed, his strengths were amplified and he has clearly thrived in his more stable and supportive environment.

Meanwhile, one aspect of the review that has remained low key is believed to be a recommendation to put term limits on board positions. This would mean succession planning for McGuire, who has led the club since 1999.

Despite suggesting he had considered walking away last year, it seems doubtful the high-profile media performer would be willing to leave without another legacy-establishing premiership. Particularly one coached by Buckley, the man McGuire appointed — and then controversially reappointed.

Collingwood can clinch a top-four place against Fremantle in Perth on Saturday. All roads to this season's premiership must go through the mighty Tigers, but a return to the finals might just be the trailer to the big screen version of The Review.

[BazBoy]

As a passionate Pie supporter from the 1953 premiership till present day I am thrilled we are back where we belong—playing finals and the chance for Flag 16

Bucks has done an extraordinary job with as some on said 39 players over the year —hardly a stable situation when trying to get best 22 settled

But as pleased as I am with Bucks I cannot speak highly enough of his new support group who must bask in the glory of our rise

[Piesnchess]

Bucks will and should be, Coach of the year, really.

[melliot]

^ I'd rather he be like Clarko and not win the coaching award, but win a three-peat instead!

[Skids]

Mike Sheehan ... you idiot!

What is this knobs claim to fame anyway? Has he even kicked a footy?

“They don’t have the luxury of saying they can wait. I was amazed that A: there was so little activity from Collingwood and that B: that they didn’t take a punt on Josh Schache. We’ve heard all year that Darcy Moore is not ready to do the job up forward, he’s one out and they need some height.

“Finals teams have got four players in from other clubs. Port Adelaide have done it, Geelong have nearly done it, getting these blokes. They’re a lot better placed than Collingwood. I’m staggered by the inactivity at Collingwood.

“How can you, if you’re a Collingwood supporter, expect to bridge that gap with the same team?”

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/10/22/sheahan-staggered-at-collingwood-trade-inactivity/

[K]

[stui magpie]

[Jezza]

Great article. Enjoyed reading that.

[think positive]

I got tears in my eyes!

Now that indeed, would be a fairytale ending! You just never know!

[BazBoy]

And finals for Buck —not current but ones to come

I watched a bit of the VFL game and was very pleased with what I saw and say Bucks has more good supply coming his way

Lynch and Jok made big man impact—-will they rookie Jok

[BazBoy]

And finals for Buck —not current but ones to come

I watched a bit of the VFL game and was very pleased with what I saw and say Bucks has more good supply coming his way

Lynch and Jok made big man impact—-will they rookie Jok