But at times it can be frustrating, particularly when what's being said doesn't reflect what is actually happening.
"By any measure we're better prepared this year than last year, but you wouldn't know about it because people keep asking me about Swanny or Daisy or Clokey or anyone else that makes headlines, and that's far from the reality," Buckley told AFL.com.au ahead of the season opener against North Melbourne.
"There seems to be a disconnect between internal matters, and external focus," Buckley said.
"We understand that papers need to be sold, and websites need hits and the radio want people to tune in; that's just the way it is.
"Sometimes it can be frustrating to have to answer to the headlines all the time, but that's part of the caper."
But just as Travis Cloke's contract talks dominated discussion in 2012, Dale Thomas is drawing attention for his 'free agent' status as season 2013 begins.
"Daisy's one of 47 players we have on our list. We don't spend more time on one than we do with the other," Buckley said.
Buckley was unperturbed by Thomas's recent comment about needing "to put money in my pocket" and the player wasn't questioned for making it.
Those headlines may frustrate the club, but Buckley makes no apologies for the tough stance taken against the likes of Dane Swan, who was suspended by the club for two matches last season for drinking, and Cloke.
The Magpies called off contract negotiations with Cloke in the middle of last season, citing the distraction it had become. He eventually re-signed with the club in late September.
"We try and deal with these things and bring the pain forward rather than just letting them fester," Buckley said.
"We expect the same behaviours and standards from all of our players and if they don't reach those standards and behaviours, well, then there's consequences.
"We're very confident in the way that we deal with issues internally and externally and we'll continue to do so in the manner that we feel is going to get the best performance both for now and in the future."
On the field, Buckley insists the Magpies are more than ready for the season ahead, which begins against North Melbourne next Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
"We sat down with the players on Monday and did a basic review of our pre-season and for the large part it was very positive," he said.
"We feel that we've done a lot of work in a lot of areas, and we've got a lot of individuals that are ahead of the same time last year in benchmarking with our fitness testing and strength testing."
Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL
