AFL legend Nathan Buckley’s personal treasure trove of football memorabilia has netted almost $200,000 at auction on Wednesday.
The former Collingwood captain and coach was forced to sell off the prized possessions as part of his divorce settlement, and there were a flurry of bids as football fans seized a rare opportunity.
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There was also a surprise buyer with 7NEWS able to confirm that the Collingwood Football Club purchased some of the items.
From match-worn jumpers to Buckley’s boots, even his shorts and socks, more than 200 items from the Collingwood champion’s playing career went under the hammer.
The total collection — which also featured some items from Buckley’s short time at the Brisbane Bears — sold for $192,000.
Buckley’s 2002 grand final jumper fetched the highest price.
Collingwood lost that game to the all-conquering Brisbane Lions but Buckley controversially won the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.
Bidders were clearly aware of the significance of the item with the jumper selling for a whopping $16,000 to ‘bidder 515’.
Collingwood collector Chris Fanartzis said Buckley jumpers were “really scarce”.
“When something like this comes along (it) is like the holy grail,” he said.
“I think every kid growing up, including myself, you lace up (your) boots and want to be like Buckley.”
7NEWS understands that Collingwood snapped up a number of items to be put on display in the club’s museum, but enthusiastic supporters also joined in on the buying frenzy.
Some fans took the day off work to be part of the action while others joined in online and over the phone.
More than 750 people registered for the auction, with some of them dialing in from around Australia and overseas.
It is double the number of bidders for a regular sports memorabilia sale at this Melbourne auction house.
Collingwood collector Dylan Parker said: “I’ve been collecting jumpers for five years now and Buckley has always been one I wanted to get.
“He’s an icon. He’s played that many games for us (and was so) unlucky not to win a premiership, but most fans love him.”
The treasured collection was only available because Buckley was forced to sell as part of a divorce settlement with ex-wife Tania.
Buckley’s 18-year marriage to Tania came to end late in 2020, a year where he had spent much of the COVID-affected season interstate.
