With close to 500 games of experience as either a coach or player at the top level, there is not much that surprises Nathan Buckley in Australian Rules Football. 

For a man with a Brownlow Medal, a Norm Smith Medal, seven All-Australian blazers and numerous other accolades on his resume, there are not many who understand the game better, even after four years out of club life. 

But as he integrates into the Geelong Football Club and his new role as an assistant coach, there has been one thing that has quickly caught Buckley's eye in his first weeks with the Cats. 

The sheer athleticism and elite work rate of Geelong's list has impressed Buckley early in the pre-season, jokingly noting that it might be getting a little harder to keep up with the modern breed of footballers. 

"Not so much about how the game is played, my bones are a little bit creakier than they were four years ago," Buckley said.

"Being able to fill into a drill here and there, there is some inflammation that has kicked up for me.

"But the game itself, I suppose the group are so fit and athletic. They cover the ground so well at speed, and that speed endurance is something that really stands out for me.

"Geelong have put opposition to the sword with that for a long time now, and I think the recruits this year show that they really put that on a pedestal.

"That is the standout thing for me walking into this group."

One thing that has been clearly evident in Buckley's opening weeks at Geelong is his hands-on approach, often seen competing and running alongside players in certain drills. 

That competitive nature has been visible right throughout Buckley's career, but he also said it is something he has had to adapt to in his new role as an assistant coach. 

"That is a bit more of the assistant coach's role," Buckley said. 

"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 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."