Buckley Injured

Collingwood News

Collingwood v Melbourne Monday June 8, 3:20pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 3:00pm Weather: Min 11 Max 16 Chance of rain 90%: <1mm Wind: NW 29kph Betting: Collingwood $1.28 Melbourne $3.70

Collingwood senior coach Nathan Buckley is to have hamstring surgery on Wednesday evening after injuring himself on Tuesday afternoon.
Buckley tore the hamstring in his left leg from the bone playing touch football and was advised this morning that immediate surgery to re-attach the muscle is required.
It is expected that Buckley will coach the side against Melbourne next Monday but if this is not possible senior assistant coach Robert Harvey will deputise.
Harvey took control of the training program this morning and will continue to oversee the preparation of the squad until Buckley returns.
“Clearly, the end to my playing career taught me very little,” Buckley said.
“I’m still confusing ambition with ability and my ropey hamstrings are still reminding me of that mistake.”
Harvey has worked by Buckley’s side since 2012, was promoted to senior assistant at the end of 2013 and is in his seventh season of coaching after drawing a decorated playing career with St Kilda to a close in 2008.
Collingwood Director of Football, Neil Balme, said he expected the training week to continue smoothly.
“As important as the senior coach is, the strength and quality of the Collingwood program should compensate for his absence for a couple of days if that is what transpires,” Balme said.
“‘Harves’ and the rest of the coaching staff are an experienced group and more than capable of ensuring continuity.”