Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has so much in his favour as he starts his career as an AFL senior coach.

Now, does he have what it takes?

There are two themes for the Magpies’ 2012 season, with the more important being whether they can rebound from last year’s grand final loss and win a second premiership in three years.

But the second will be even more fascinating – how Buckley performs in one of Australian sport’s hottest seats.

Nearly three years after Magpies president Eddie McGuire engineered the succession plan that ensured Buckley would take over from Mick Malthouse, the newcomer has charge of a team in premiership health.

Collingwood’s list is balanced, stacked with talent and not too young, nor too old.

The pain of the grand final loss should ensure no shortage of motivation.

Their football department wants for nothing and overall the club is a powerhouse.

“We expect excellence, we expect a high work ethic,” Buckley said.

“I personally feel like I’m part of the machine.”

After Malthouse decided to leave the club immediately at the end of the 2011 campaign, long-time AFL coach Rodney Eade was recruited as coaching director.

He will be a confidant and coaching mentor for Buckley.

The flipside of all this support and opportunity is that only a premiership will do.

McGuire and captain Nick Maxwell have said so publicly, while Malthouse tips them to win the flag.

But the new coach has dealt with pressure throughout his AFL career and seems to revel in it.

“I enjoy the role and the responsibility that comes with the role and look forward to being challenged as we go on,” Buckley said.

February gave Buckley an early challenge as a succession of injuries hit the Magpies.

Alan Didak and Ben Johnson suffered leg injuries, Harry O’Brien cut his hand at home on a pane of glass and knee reconstructions will sideline Andrew Krakouer and Brent Macaffer for the season.

“Sometimes you go through periods where you’re probably a little bit more open than others and it opens you up to the perception that `the sky is falling down’,” Buckley said.

“It’s reality … if it was happening in June, I would be a lot more stressed.”

Even without Krakouer and Macaffer, Buckley noted Collingwood still boast a wealth of small forward options.

Their defence is among the very best in the AFL and their midfield oozes class and depth.

But there are potential chinks in the Magpie armour.

Leigh Brown’s retirement creates a structural query, because he became so valuable as a second ruckman who could also play in attack as their third tall marking option.

Collingwood have played Chris Dawes in the ruck at times during the pre-season in an effort to give that part of the team more depth.

“We don’t have one player who’s going to take all of those attributes and be a Leigh Brown,” Buckley said.

“What we will expect is across the forward line structure and obviously that second-ruck role, we are going to need multiple players to pick up the slack for what Leigh provided.”

Collingwood, like every other side, will have to bring through players to maintain their strength and there will be big expectations for lesser lights such as Cameron Wood, Alex Fasolo and Luke Rounds to keep developing.

Still, Buckley knows he in charge of a very good side with the potential to become great.

“We’re part of an evolution, not a revolution,” he said.

“We don’t need to turn things upside down – clearly we have a talented list who like to compete, who have proven they can play at a level.

“It’s only shades of difference – and clearly those shades make all the difference when you get to the pointy end of the season.”