COLLINGWOOD great Nathan Buckley has taken the next step in his coaching career with the League confirming he will guide the Victorian Country under-16 side this year.

Buckley will coach the squad in the lead-up to the 2009 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships, to be held at the AFL's western Sydney facility in July.

Buckley, an assistant coach of the AIS-AFL Academy squad who assesses NAB AFL Draft Camp tests and processes, has been the subject of senior coaching speculation since his retirement as a player in 2007.

With a significant number of club contracts up for review this season, the Brownlow Medallist has entered the coaching arena at an opportune time.

"I’ve really enjoyed my role with the AIS-AFL Academy squad and coaching the Vic Country under-16s is another opportunity to work with young football talent and assist them through the pathway to the AFL," Buckley said.

The League's general manager of development David Matthews said Buckley's appointment was a great outcome for everyone involved.

"Nathan’s appointment will not only be a bonus for the young players in regional Victoria, but will also be an opportunity for Nathan to further his coaching experience," Matthews said.

Around one-fifth of current AFL-listed players have represented Vic Country, including Hawthorn's Luke Hodge, Brisbane Lion Jonathan Brown and Geelong pair Jimmy Bartel and Gary Ablett.

Fourteen Vic Country players were selected in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.