Career
Buckley came to Carlton as a ruckman, but ended up spending much of his time in the back pocket. Victorian Football Association (VFA) club Portuguese Melbourne acquired his services as captain-coach in 1966 and he immediately steered the club to a premiership. Buckley"s Portuguese Melbourne made the 1967 Grand Final, but could not overcome Dandenong.
The encounter, which is regarded as one of the controversial and violent premiership deciders in history, almost ended in the second quarter when Buckley threatened to lead his team-mates off the field in protest against the umpiring.
Two sons, Mark and Stephen, later played at Carlton. Buckley died on 2 August 2014 after a long period of ill health.
