Bucks turns focus to field

NATHAN Buckley refuses to be distracted by ructions around Gary Pert’s resignation as Collingwood chief executive, declaring the football department’s perspective unchanged as the Pies fight to reach the finals.

Two games outside the eight in 13th place, Collingwood takes on Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday without Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Moore and Travis Varcoe as the club undergoes a wide-ranging review of operations.

But, despite the emotional upheaval around Pert’s imminent departure, Buckley is determined to maintain focus.

“Nothing that much changes from a football department perspective,” he said. “Our focus is on performing and preparing for the Crows and doing that job.

“I have a really narrow focus on the next five weeks and the fact ‘Perty’ has made that decision, that’s above my pay grade.”

He described Pert’s impact on Collingwood as “profound”.

“To see Perty reflect on that yesterday with Ed [McGuire] was significant and clearly this has been a big part of his life,” he said.

“He goes on to look at the next challenge for himself and, for the club, the timing is relevant in the fact we’ve got a blueprint that’s being together at the moment and there are always going to be changes.

“For Perty to come to that outcome after a really strong tenure at the footy club, when you actually get a chance to reflect on 10 years and what events have taken place and see what impact he’s had on the organisation, has been profound.”

Buckley will not be drawn on his future, instead concentrating on the club’s flickering finals hopes amid fears Pendlebury’s season could be over after a second bout of surgery to mend his injured finger.

“He’s got some wires in the bone to help them knit back together,” he said.

“They’ll be in place for four weeks, so really it’s another four weeks from now to make sure he heals appropriately.”