In a shocking twist that has left the Collingwood faithful reeling, club legend and current owner Nathan Buckley has publicly confirmed his second sudden divorce, this time from his newlywed wife, Lindsey, less than a year after their widely publicized wedding.
The announcement, which came via a brief and emotionally restrained statement released late Wednesday night, has sparked intense speculation and media frenzy across the AFL community.
“Lindsey and I have made the difficult decision to part ways. We remain respectful of each other and ask for privacy at this time,” Buckley stated.
A Repeat of History?
This marks Buckley’s second public breakup in recent years, reigniting concerns about the former premiership coach’s turbulent personal life. Fans were quick to note the eerie similarity to his 2020 divorce from ex-wife Tania Minnici, after 18 years of marriage.
While the first split was chalked up to the pressures of coaching life, this latest development is surrounded by far more ambiguity — and whispers of a far more complex situation.
Early Signs and Sudden Distance
Sources close to the couple have revealed tensions behind the scenes. Though Buckley and Lindsey appeared inseparable during the AFL off-season, recent appearances showed growing distance. At the 2025 Brownlow Medal night, Lindsey was conspicuously absent from Buckley’s side — prompting early speculation of cracks in the relationship.
Investigations Indicate the Following Reasons:
According to unnamed insiders and social commentators, several key factors may have contributed to the breakup:
- Lifestyle Clashes: Lindsey, a high-profile wellness entrepreneur and influencer, reportedly struggled with the intense scrutiny and public expectations tied to Buckley’s role as Collingwood owner.
- Time Apart: Buckley’s increasing involvement with Collingwood operations post-premiership has kept him constantly traveling and under pressure. Friends suggest the demanding schedule created “emotional distance.”
- Privacy Breaches: A recent leak of private messages between Buckley and a former media colleague raised eyebrows, although nothing has been confirmed.
- Media Strain: As one anonymous source said, “They simply couldn’t escape the spotlight — and it started eating into their relationship.”
Fans React with Shock and Sympathy
Across social media, Collingwood supporters expressed heartbreak, confusion, and frustration. One fan wrote:
“We love you, Bucks, but damn — this one hurts. Hope you’re okay.”
Another tweeted:
“Why does our off-field drama always rival our footy headlines? Stay strong, Buckley.”
What’s Next for Buckley?
Despite the personal turmoil, Buckley remains committed to the Collingwood cause. The club released a separate statement supporting their owner and urging the media to respect his privacy.
Still, questions remain. Can Buckley weather another storm — and can he keep personal matters from spilling into club business?
As one club insider noted, “He’s a Collingwood icon. But even icons have their breaking points.”
