AFL star Nathan Buckley reflects on his ‘traumatic’ divorce from wife Tania Minnici after 18 years of marriage
AFL star Nathan Buckley reflects on his ‘traumatic’ divorce from wife Tania Minnici after 18 years of marriage
Nathan Buckley revealed on Sunday that splitting from his wife of 18 years, Tania Minnici, in 2020 was one of the most painful things he has ever experienced.
The former AFL star, 51, told the story news.com.au their difficult breakup affected his life in some unexpected ways.
“The most traumatic thing that’s happened to me lately is my marriage breaking up,” he began.
‘The two most important things for me were family and football. When the family element started to crumble, my immediate family, I leaned even more on football.’
Buckley added he was grateful his AFL friends were there for him during the tough time, saying they helped him get his life back on track.
Nathan Buckley, 51, revealed on Sunday that splitting from his wife of 18 years, Tania Minnici, in 2020 was one of the most painful things he has ever experienced. (The ex-couple are pictured together in happier times)
He also admitted that he still struggles to let go of the past, as he still struggles with “a lot of emotion,” “a little bit of anger,” and “still a little bit of grief.”
Fortunately, Nathan has found love again and is currently in a relationship with 34-year-old business manager Brodie Ryan, with whom he went public in October last year.
With a positive attitude, Buckley said, “That’s life… you can’t control it. I feel very fortunate to have met a partner in Brodie who I love and respect. Life is good.’
The former AFL star told news.com.au their difficult split affected his life in some unexpected ways
Nathan and Tania married in December 2002 and announced their divorce in December 2020, almost 18 years to the day they got married.
The couple released a statement via Tania’s Instagram page at the time, publicly announcing that they had split almost a year earlier.
They share two teenage sons, Jett, 17, and Ayce, 15.
“The most traumatic thing that’s happened to me lately is my marriage breaking up,” Nathan began. (Pictured: Buckley and Minnici in 2003)
Meanwhile, Brodie seems to have settled into the role of a WAG well, as the brunette beauty has undergone an incredible makeover to suit her new life with Nathan.
She went from a blonde girl-next-door look to a bronzed glamazon almost overnight after dating the former AFL player and coach.
Prior to Ryan, Buckley dated cosmetic nurse Alex Pike, 45, from May to December last year.
Fortunately, Nathan has found love again and is currently in a relationship with 34-year-old business manager Brodie Ryan (right), with whom he went public in October last year.
Prior to Ryan, Buckley dated cosmetic nurse Alex Pike (left), 45, from May to December last year.