Nathan Buckley Reflects on Regret and Inner Struggles from His AFL Leadership Journey
Nathan Buckley, the Collingwood legend, has expressed regret over his "disgraceful" treatment of teammates during his AFL career. In a candid podcast interview, he reflected on his intense leadership style, which often made him unapproachable. Buckley revealed struggles with inner insecurity and coping mechanisms, including excessive drinking, revealing how his past behavior negatively impacted both himself and his teammates. He emphasized the importance of consistent feedback and understanding in leadership roles.
Nathan Buckley, a prominent figure in Australian Football League history, has reflected on his past behaviors towards teammates during his playing days, admitting they were less than admirable. In a candid discussion on The Imperfects podcast, the former Collingwood captain opened up about the pressures he faced and the impact of his intense leadership style.
Buckley reflects on his leadership approach and its effects
Nathan Buckley, renowned for his prowess on the field, served as captain of the Collingwood Football Club from 1999 to 2007. During this time, he instilled high standards in his teammates, often employing a ruthlessly demanding style of leadership. However, Buckley now acknowledges regret over this approach, recognizing that it created a barrier between himself and his peers, rendering him unapproachable.
Struggles concealed beneath a tough exterior
In an emotional revelation, Buckley shared that during his career, he faced intense internal struggles that often went unnoticed. He recounted moments of overwhelming pressure, describing instances where tears streamed down his face during practice sessions. At the time, he felt compelled to maintain a façade of strength and resilience, fearing vulnerability would be perceived as weakness.
Acknowledging past behaviors and their impact
Looking back, Buckley admitted that his on-field attitude and body language were often disrespectful, not only to himself but to his teammates and the game as a whole. He stated that his visible disappointment during games reflected negatively on those around him and undermined the spirit of teamwork. He candidly labeled his past behaviors as "disgraceful" and expressed that he had never explicitly acknowledged these feelings before.
The journey of understanding and growth
Buckley emphasized his lack of awareness regarding the impact of his actions on others. He stated that had he truly cared about the consequences, he would have made changes during his career. Now, he understands the importance of timing and receptiveness when delivering feedback as both a coach and a leader. He believes that effective communication is crucial, as players may not be ready to absorb advice or guidance despite its availability.
