The last time that Nathan Buckley featured in an official AFL match at GMHBA Stadium as either a player or coach, things looked slightly different. 

The year was 1999, Buckley was 26 years old in a Collingwood side that included the likes of Damian Monkhorst, Saverio Rocca and was coached by Tony Shaw. 

On the other side of the ledger, Geelong's team included Tom Harley and David Wojcinski with just seven AFL games between them, while the likes of Barry Stoneham and Peter Riccardi were among the more experienced heads in the side. 

Buckley was incredible in the match finishing with 37 disposals, two goals and 10 clearances, but Geelong clawed their way back from a 20-point deficit at three quarter time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.  

Back at GMHBA Stadium in an official capacity for the first time in 27 years, Buckley said he was impressed by the Cats crowd as he experienced a home win for the first time wearing the blue and white. 

"We needed a jump into the year, so it was good to be able to do that," Buckley told Cats Media. 

"It helps coming home, the crowd were excellent. I got my first taste of the GMHBA Stadium crowd, but the players were excellent too.

"It wouldn't have been a surprise to have lost our nerve a little bit at quarter time, but the boys stuck to it.

"It was a good win, so we have jumped into season 2026 and I think we have got about 10 days until Adelaide. Thursday week, we will be ready for that."

Buckley's first win with the Cats came in dramatic fashion, as Geelong pegged back a 35 point deficit to record their first victory in 2026. 

Max Holmes (32 disposals), Shannon Neale (five goals) and Bailey Smith (31 disposals) all played a pivotal part in the comeback, the Cats kicking 10 of the last 13 goals to claw their way back after a slow start. 

After conceding eight goals in the opening term, Geelong were then able to restrict the Dockers to six goals for the rest of the game, holding them goalless in the final term to secure the four points. 

Buckley said it was pleasing for the coaching staff to see the playing group turn momentum, understanding the sense of belief within the team to fight back no matter the circumstances.  

"I suppose I am learning about the way that this group comes together," Buckley said. 

"It was good to see us put our best football together after quarter time. The contest around the ball, running hard and putting the opposition to the sword, it was a really good result in the end.

"Eight goals in a quarter is not what we want, let alone the score that we gave up last week.

"We probably looked after the ball a little bit better with ball in hand, especially after quarter time which helps us get into our front half and that helps us defend.

"It is a pretty simple game, but we were able to put more energy into our offence which saved us a little bit in defence."