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Find your Sport Nation frequencyThe Buckley text that has Tassie recruiter hopeful
Jaiden Sciberras • May 13th, 2025 10:09 am
Tasmania has amped up preparations for their AFL launch, with sights aimed on a great of the game to take the reins from 2028.
It was recently revealed that the Devils landed a notable appointment when announcing veteran list manager Derek Hine as the club's Head of Recruiting.
The acquisition provides a glut of experience for the Devils, with Hine heading to Tasmania off the back of over 20 years at the Collingwood Football Club, leading recruitment for the club's 2010 and 2023 premierships.
Beyond his experience, Hine also carries a strong connection to former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, one of Tasmania’s most desired candidates for the senior coaching position.
Speaking on SEN Tassie’s The Devil’s Advocate, Hine expressed that he remains in touch with his former colleague, revealing his hopes that the Magpie legend could return to the coaching scene.
“He texted me the other day so there must be something in the text!” Hine said.
“He is a good man Bucks, he was 45 seconds off a flag when you think about it.
“He’s played at the level, he’s coached at the level, and I really feel that his time out of the game will help him, not hinder him.
“Those decisions are at a higher level than what I am, but Bucks is a really strong advocate for change and for opportunity.”
Having been in touch with Buckley, Hine believes that the 52-year-old would be prepared to step into the role for the first time since leaving Collingwood in 2021.
“Having spoken to him five or six months ago, I just got the feeling that he was ready to jump back in,” Hine continued.
“I’d love to work with Bucks again, he’s got some great assets that he could bring to the table but again that’s clearly not my decision.
“He’s a good man, he works exceptionally hard, and I think coming into a program like Tasmania would be good for him.
“Would I be able to work closely with Nathan? Absolutely, and I think it’d be good for Tassie.”
