When asked to describe his coaching style, Buckley answers quickly: ‘‘Positive.’’

To hear him tell it, he is not simply a leader but almost a father figure to his players.

‘‘I think I reinforce what people do well and have them feeling fairly confident that they have the ability to have an influence on the team’s performance. I like to think I’m inclusive.’’

Some may read into Buckley’s comments an indirect swipe at his predecessor, Mick Malthouse, who last year caused a stir when he told the media that he and Buckley had a strict working relationship that did not cross over into friendship.

Following the club’s premiership loss to Geelong last year, Malthouse announced his retirement from the club, rejecting the role of director of coaching, which had been especially created to keep him within the club’s fold. Many observers thought Malthouse wanted no more of the club he coached to its first premiership in 20 years.

For his part, Buckley has maintained a dignified silence over his relationship with the four-time premiership coach. When it’s casually mentioned he won’t ‘‘scare the s**t out of journalists, like your old coach did’’, Buckley simply smiles and remains silent.

Football coaches have played a huge role in his life. Buckley was coached by his father until he joined Port Adelaide Football Club as a 20-year-old, where he came under the guidance of John Cahill. It was at Port Adelaide that Buckley won his only premiership as a senior player.

‘‘All my coaches have shaped me as the player I was, but also the person that I became. I think I’ve been very fortunate to have strong role models in that area, and this is before I even thought of football beyond playing.’’

Buckley says he’s determined to shut out the external noise of expectation and pressure, and focus on being a leader. But it may be easier said than done.

Inside the club’s headquarters, there are reminders of Buckley’s almost legendary status everywhere. In the lobby, a full-size image of Buckley, ball in hand, leg muscles tensed with ferocious energy, looks down at those eyeing off the club’s vast collection of premiership cups and memorabilia. In the boardroom hangs a huge oil painting of Buckley. It’s impossible to ignore as you enter the inner sanctum of Australia’s most famous sporting club.

When asked what he thinks of having to look at his image all the time, Buckley shakes his head and laughs. ‘‘We’ve got cameras installed in the eyes so I can keep an eye on what the board are saying. Actually, it’s a little bit bizarre. You get used to it.’’

Sporting pundits say the club’s grand final loss in 2011 was a blessing in disguise. For a novice coach to take control of the reigning premiers would have created unrealistic expectations. To end his first season without retaining the premiership could have been seen as a disaster.

Buckley has lived most of his adult life in the harsh glare of the media spotlight. He seems amused by the constant speculation, and appears to tolerate rather than engage with the media. But he knows how it works. During the photo shoot for our cover, he knows where to stand, how to pose and how to nail the shoot in record time; it’s clear he’s done this before.

At the mention of his family, Buckley noticeably relaxes, and a smile spreads across his face. He married Tania in 2002, and they have two sons, Jett, five, and Ayce, three. They live in Toorak.

‘‘Tania’s probably been out of the loop in the past four years, since [I retired] as a player. I think she’s looking forward to being back in the nitty-gritty of it,’’ he says.

Football fans will undoubtedly be waiting for signs that the boys will follow in their famous father’s footsteps. So far, only Ayce is showing any interest in the game.

‘‘The eldest, he likes digging. He’s had a footy in his hand from time to time, but he’ll quickly head to the sandpit,’’ he says. ‘‘The youngest one is all over ball sports. He either has one in his band, or a golf club or cricket bat.’’

Both boys support the Magpies and get special access to the players, something Buckley says could become an asset once they reach school age. But being the son of a famous coach can be a double-edged sword.

‘‘There might be a fair bit of pressure that comes to bear. But hopefully they’re robust enough to deal with it.’’

Outside of football and family, there’s precious little time for other pleasures. Buckley says he copes with the pressure of his job by throwing his energy into his young family.

‘‘The release for me is spending time with family and with my boys. I value that time and guard it pretty strongly. But I still like to stay fit, watch movies when I can.’’

As the players prepare to break through the fan-made banner on Saturday, Buckley will be up in the coaches’ box, ear-piece in place, ready to take control. It will be the beginning of a new era.

‘‘We’ve completed a full pre-season and the planning and preparation for that,’’ says Buckley. ‘‘By the time of the NAB Cup, half of your campaign has already begun and finished. You’re well and truly into what you’ve prepared for. That’s definitely been a process and I’m just really looking forward to getting things off on the right foot.’’

The 2012 NAB Cup kicks off this Friday. For more information, visit afl.com.au