Collingwood will trial a taller forward line against the Western Bulldogs, with Ben Reid called up to replace suspended teammate Jaidyn Stephenson.
Buckley played his cards close to his chest when he spoke to reporters on Friday ahead of the final AFL teams announcement but ultimately opted for just one change – Reid in for Stephenson – for Sunday’s clash at Marvel Stadium.
Stephenson was sensationally slapped with a 10-game ban for breaking the league’s betting rules on Wednesday.
The absence of the mercurial forward, winner of last year’s Rising Star award, clearly left Buckley with a big hole to fill inside attacking 50.
While Reid is a taller option, Buckley said the Pies’ attacking process would stay the same.
“Our general shape and method of attack is not just about the players that might be in front of the ball,” Buckley said.
“I think we’ve proven over a long period of time that we stack up OK with changes in personnel.”
Ben Crocker, Josh Daicos, Max Lynch, Isaac Quaynor and Reid were initially added to an extended squad.
Daicos had been widely tipped to come in for Stephenson, but must continue to push for a first senior appearance this season at VFL level.
Jamie Elliott would have been the logical replacement but he is still at least a week away from resuming from a hamstring injury.
The Bulldogs brought in Josh Schache, Taylor Duryea, Ed Richards and Roarke Smith for what could prove a pivotal match, their season on a knife’s edge with 5-7 record.
Luke Beveridge’s side held a narrow lead at three-quarter time before the Pies ran away with the contest when the sides last met in round four.
Buckley is wary of the danger they present despite their 14th position on the ladder.
“The Dogs are a very dynamic squad … they can throw things around a lot,” the coach said.
“Their stock in trade is around contested ball and being able to outnumber at the ball and be harder and cleaner inside.
“That’s our primary concern.
“And they’ve moved the ball very well this year from end to end so that’s another challenge.”
