Buckley on how he has settled in

I have enjoyed it.

Obviously it is a program that I have respected from afar for a long time.

To be able to get a look under the bonnet and then play a role and contribute where I can, is something that I have been energised and excited by.

First couple of weeks has been good, good to get most of the group in for the start of pre-season today. 

Buckley on what has surprised him

I think this group have been successful for a long time. I suppose it is a little bit about how much the onus is on the players themselves, to drive their program and their own development.

It is something that has been very Geelong, it has been something that I have known about.

To witness that and to see it in practice, I just think the players have a lot of autonomy and a lot of control on what takes place, which at this early stage is pretty fascinating. 

Buckley on working alongside Chris Scott

Scotty and I have had plenty of conversations over the years.

More so in the last month or so, philosophical conversations with Chris Scott are always fun.

There is a lot of grey area in this program, they leave the question hanging, they don't have to come to an answer in the immediate tense.

That provides a fair bit of creativity, so that is what I have noted and what I am looking forward to. 

Buckley on what he is looking to add

I think in the early stages for me, it is really watching and learning, understanding what this program is about and how they piece it together.

Then working out where I can provide value from there, so there is probably a little bit of sitting back and observing into Christmas.

Then working out where I think that I can add the most value. 

Buckley on his involvement in training

That is a bit more of the assistant coach's role.

I had a laugh with a couple of the boys, early in the first session I had hands on the back, watching drills or watching training and observing on how it all goes together.

You have got to get your hands a bit dirtier than you do as a senior coach.

That has been enjoyable, I have been in footy for a long time, I love the game and seeing the passion in the players and the staff is something I have enjoyed in the early stages. 

Buckley on his connection with Hunter Holmes

I coached him in Under 12s, when I was coaching my eldest. They were in the same squad, so I spent a year with Hunter.

He was no different to what you see now; a hard runner, can get up and down the ground, he was very in and under and a very tough young footballer.

He is a lot lankier and a lot taller than he was six years ago, and he has shown really good signs already in terms of having a real crack.

Some young players can sit on their heels a little bit and watch and wait, but he has thrown himself into it really well.