Bucks stops here
Nathan Buckley has earned a further two years at Collingwood.

Pies’ president Eddie McGuire said the board approved the extension, securing the coach until the end of 2016.

“The secrets of success are continuity and drive and this decision is not only a show of faith in Nathan but a demonstration of our commitment to having both,” McGuire said.

Buckley said he was pleased.

“I'm honoured by the faith shown in me by the board. It's a privilege to coach Collingwood."

The 41-year-old has coached Collingwood in 48 games for 31 wins and 17 losses and in four finals since controversially taking over from premiership coach Mick Malthouse.

Saints’ year from hell
St Kilda's will enter Round 1 with a significantly depleted outfit.

The Saints will be without their best midfielder Jack Steven, running defender Sam Gilbert, veteran Leigh Montagna, former captain Lenny Hayes and recruit Maverick Weller.

St Kilda confronts Melbourne then Greater Western Sydney in the first two weeks of the season.

''We have some challenges with injuries; all clubs will face their challenges with injuries, whether it is round one or round 18,'' Saints president Peter Summers told The Age.

''There will understandably be some hype around round one, but round one for us, while it is nice to win four points and you want to win every game, it is the start of a journey. If you spoke to Melbourne, I am sure they would have a similar sentiment. That it is the start of a journey and who knows, maybe both teams will be facing each other on grand final day in 2018."

Tigers sign stars
Richmond has re-signed defender Bachar Houli and forward Ty Vickery for two more years and backman Steve Morris for three.

''It's a great result to lock away three of our most important players for the next few seasons,'' Football Manager Dan Richardson said.

Swans attack AFL plan
Outgoing Sydney chairman Richard Colless has described the likely dumping of the club’s million dollar cost of living allowance (COLA) as “vandalism”.

The AFL is expected to hand clubs a proposal that includes football department spending caps, a tax on total revenue, the end of the veterans list and the phasing out of the COLA.

A football department cap will mean those who overspend will be charged 50 per cent per extra dollar spent, with the league to share the wealth among less well-off clubs.

“As someone who has put my emotion and money into this, I just think it is dumb,” Colless told the Herald Sun.

“Should we remove father-son (selections) as well? I have no problem with the Pies playing 18 games in Melbourne because when they are the away team it is serious payday for their rivals. But I don’t think people realise how hard it is here in Sydney.

“Rugby has seriously deep pockets and they will attack. They are shoring up their position in the west, and you can guarantee GWS will start migrating to the east.”