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New girlfriend's telling post after Nathan Buckley resignation

Nathan Buckley, pictured here during a Collingwood game.
Alex Pike appeared to reference Nathan Buckley's exit from Collingwood. Image: Instagram/Getty

Nathan Buckley's new girlfriend has seemingly referenced his decision to quit as Collingwood coach in a cryptic social media post.

Collingwood confirmed on Wednesday that Buckley will depart after 10 years in charge following the Queen's Birthday fixture against Melbourne on Monday.

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And while Buckley may be out of a job, he seems to be thriving in his personal life.

New girlfriend Alex Pike, who Buckley began dating this year after separating from ex-wife Tania, took to Instagram on Thursday in an apparent response to her man's resignation.

Posting three quotes, Pike wrote: “As we let go of adventures no longer meant for us we are brought new ones aligned with our magic.”

She also posted: “Surround yourself with people who push you to do and be better.

“No drama or negativity. Just higher goals and higher motivation. Good times and positive energy. No jealousy or hate.

“Simply bringing out the absolute best in each other.”

She also wrote: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.”

Nathan Buckley ready for emotional Pies farewell

Buckley is bracing himself for an emotional send-off as he prepares for his final match as Collingwood coach.

It will take place under unusual circumstances, with the Magpies to take on old rivals Melbourne at the SCG after the traditional Queen's Birthday fixture was moved because of Victoria's latest COVID-19 outbreak.

Collingwood (3-9) registered a stirring win away to Adelaide last week but will start rank outsiders against the ladder-leading Demons (11-1).

"To know that it's the last time that I do it here (at Collingwood) gives me pause for thought and it will bring up different emotions, I'm sure," Buckley said.

"But I'm just excited now to have a real crack at this week and to see how we'll go on Monday.

"I'm not expecting the players are going to find another five per cent - I'm certainly hoping that they gave everything they had last week and the week before - and I'm not a big one for milestones.

Nathan Buckley and Jeremy Howe, pictured here at Collingwood's training session on Friday.
Nathan Buckley and Jeremy Howe at Collingwood's training session on Friday. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images) (AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"But I'm sure it will definitely be a game that will stand out to me and one that I'll reflect on, so if we can get the four points it will be one that's even better to reflect on."

The last three Collingwood-Melbourne Queen's Birthday meetings (2017-2019) have drawn crowds of more than 70,000 at the MCG.

A comparitively low crowd is expected in Sydney but Buckley is hopeful he'll still be able to bid farewell to a sizeable number of Magpies fans.

"There will be Collingwood people that will have the opportunity to be up there," Buckley said.

"I don't think the fans and Collingwood people have ever missed an opportunity to show their gratitude to me.

"I've felt that throughout my time here in many different roles.

"On the flipside, I'm the one that feels like I've got the long end of the stick in this relationship and I'm very grateful for it.

"At some stage there will be an opportunity to thank the fans ... I hope that I've been able to do that with my actions along the way also."

with AAP

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