Click here to watch Tuesday's press conference with Nathan Buckley and Mick Malthouse on CTV
COLLINGWOOD captain Nathan Buckley says the lure of rejoining his teammates for a premiership assault kept him going during the dark times in 2007.
Buckley admitted to holding serious doubts about his own future after a series of hamstring injuries plagued his season but he said the Magpies’ promising form – and his hopes of getting back on the field in time for September – provided the Brownlow Medallist with ample encouragement.
“It’s been a long year and there’s no doubt at various stages I wondered about my own capacity to get up,” Buckley said.
“But all along, the fact that the team was performing and winning games and positioning itself for September action was always a great spur for me.
“So to be here … to be a part of the team that has that opportunity is very satisfying.”
Buckley was part of Collingwood’s two losing Grand Finals in 2002 and 2003 and has also been part of other failed finals campaigns.
He knows the excitement that comes with playing at this time of the year and says his battle with injury – and speculation he may be ready to call an end to his glittering career – has not provided any further impetus.
“I reckon if you’re looking for any more external motivation for a final than any other person or any other player would normally have, well then, I think you’re looking in the wrong spot,” he said.
“I’ve played 15 years of footy and I’ve been involved in two Grand Final campaigns and two other years I’ve played one final.
“This is the fifth year I’ve been involved in September, so that’s motivation enough for me.”
Buckley said his own future was the “last thing” on his mind. Instead, he is hoping to help the Magpies continue on their September path.
He rated his first two weeks of senior football in 2007 as “serviceable” and said he was still finding his feet at AFL level after so long out of the game.
“My first aims were to get through the games and to have wins,” Buckley said.
“The first week was positive in that respect and the second week was a little bit disappointing in regards to not getting the team result.
“I feel that I’ll be better off for playing football the last three weeks.”
