The WA-native’s only experience playing with Buckley was for Williamstown in the VFL in round 19, 2007. It was then that Toovey was able to witness firsthand the sublime skill and talent Buckley possessed as a player. The captain was unstoppable on the day, finishing the match with 28 disposals and four goals in only three quarters of football.
“I won a VFL game in Williamstown with him,” Toovey told PieCast on Magpie Radio this week.
Click HERE to download the podcast and listen to the full interview with Alan Toovey on iTunes“It was pretty amazing to play with him considering the game he had.”
While only playing one competitive match alongside next year’s new assistant coach, Toovey was able to see firsthand, during countless training and gym sessions, the attributes Buckley will bring to the coaching staff next year.
“He has always set high standards with whatever he did. Coaching wise, as he did as captain, he will want everything down to perfection.
“He will bring huge standards and everything he does, he does it well.”
Toovey’s 2008 season ended prematurely when he went down with a broken foot in the first quarter of the round 21 match against Sydney. Toovey played out the match in what was an important game for the club, his courageous act earning the praise from head coach Mick Malthouse.
“It was pretty disappointing getting injured earlier in the year. The game after I got injured was against Fremantle at Subi (Subiaco Oval) and it could have been the first match I played back home.
“I also missed out on the finals. But hopefully I will be in it for the finals this year so it’s pretty exciting.
“I am now at a point where I feel comfortable with the role I am assigned to play.
"This year has been a massive learning curve for me and hopefully it will hold me in good stead come September.”
