A disappointed Nathan Buckley is ruling out bidding for other vacant AFL head coaching jobs after being overlooked by the Tasmania Devils.
While Buckley, who openly coveted the Tasmanian post that went to Ken Hinkley, says he wants to be a head coach again, he is unlikely to pitch for the vacant positions at Essendon and Carlton.
“I haven’t really reflected on where those roles sit, and I don’t think I would enter those processes,” Buckley told Fox Footy on Monday night.
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Buckley said his most likely outcome next year was to remain at Geelong, where he is an assistant to Chris Scott.
“I am absolutely focused on the next six to 10 weeks with Geelong and how that plays out,” he said.
“I will take some time to reassess what is after that.”
Buckley was committed to winning the Devils job that instead was given to former Port Adelaide boss Hinkley.
“I went home, kicked the dog, threw the toys out of the cot … because I was really keen on it,” he said.
“If you’re going to go for a job, you have got to decide if you’re absolutely all in on it — and I was.
“And I absolutely respect the process that the Devils have run, and I respect their decision with Ken as well. I am glad they have found their man, and they’re really clear that Kenny is the guy for them.”
However, the former Collingwood boss said the Devils’ decision was a personal “fork in the road”.
“I was really deliberate in getting back into Geelong, and that was as much to give myself the very best chance to be ready to go for the Tasmania role,” he said.
“Now that is off the table, so I will be absolutely committed to what is going on at Geelong. I have got an option for next year there and that is probably the most likely outcome.
“There are no guarantees in this, and you have got to put yourself out there, and you have got to have a crack.
“So there’s disappointment.”
Asked if he remained steadfast in wanting to be a head coach again, Buckley replied: “Yeah. I determined that about 12 months ago.
“That is what I believe I am capable of doing. It’s what I want to do.”
AAP
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