Collingwood senior coach Nathan Buckley has accepted a two-year contract extension that will see him remain at the helm of the AFL team until at least the end of 2021.

Buckley was contracted for 2019 but club and coach were keen for a further commitment that will see his tenure as senior coach reach at least a decade.

Buckley led Collingwood to the 2018 grand final, and in earlier seasons a preliminary final and elimination final. He has a career coaching record with Collingwood of 87 wins, 74 losses and one draw.

He is currently the sixth longest serving coach in Collingwood history, behind Jock McHale (714 matches), his predecessor Michael Malthouse (286), Phonse Kyne (272), Leigh Matthews (224) and Bob Rose (193).

The faith in the new deal, though, is as much about leadership and recognition of cultural change as it is about his win-loss record.

“ ‘Bucks’ is an excellent coach and an outstanding Collingwood person who has always been club first,” said president, Eddie McGuire.

“In a way, seven seasons in, it feels as if the journey has just begun. We have always seen many qualities in ‘Bucks’, which is why we appointed him in the first place and re-appointed him back in 2017. Through the review process of that year those qualities shone through.

“We see an exciting future with him very much at the heart of it all.”

Collingwood chief executive, Mark Anderson, added: “The two year extension reinforces the on-field progress and results that our team have achieved but also recognises the key leadership role Nathan has played in developing our culture and the deep connections that he has developed within the team and across our club.

 “As deep as the disappointment of our grand final defeat was for all, our fans felt immensely proud of ‘Bucks’, of the players and of the manner in which the football club carried itself through the season.

“No one is satisfied with our results from last year and we are very aware that we start level with all teams come round one. But our plan is to build a team and club where our performance is strong and sustained. Nathan is certainly vital to us realising that objective.”

Buckley said he was pleased to be able to continue to share in the challenge of ensuring  Collingwood – team and club -  remain strong and proud.

“Sport evolves constantly. So must we,” Buckley said.

“It is a personal and professional privilege to be sharing in and, to a degree, shaping the evolution of a club that is very close to my heart.

“I thank Eddie, Mark and the hierarchy for their faith.”

To see the moment when the news of Buckley’s re-appointment was broken to the club this morning, visit collingwoodfc.com.au