Nathan Buckley Admits Disgraceful Behavior in AFL

Nathan Buckley, the former Collingwood captain and coach, has publicly reflected on his 'disgraceful' treatment of teammates during his illustrious AFL career while discussing his personal struggles on The Imperfects podcast. Buckley, now 52, revealed that he often hid his insecurities and rarely sought help, leading to isolation and damaging behaviors, such as heavy drinking and a poor attitude towards teammates. He expressed regret over his intense leadership style, which he acknowledges made him unapproachable and contributed to his emotional turmoil. He described moments of vulnerability, where he felt overwhelmed but could not show weakness, stating he was thankful for rain during training as it concealed his tears. Buckley emphasized the need for self-reflection and growth, acknowledging the detrimental impact of his past behavior on himself and those around him. His candid admissions highlight the often hidden emotional struggles faced by elite athletes under pressure.