Outgoing Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley moved out of his marital home in December, just four days after announcing his split from wife Tania Minnici.
And it seems the AFL great has been living the bachelor lifestyle since then in an $800-per-week rental apartment in South Yarra.
The 48-year-old’s new girlfriend, cosmetic nurse Alex Pike, 44, was spotted visiting him at the property after he stepped down as Magpies coach on Thursday.
The AFL’s bachelor pad: Take a look inside Nathan Buckley’s $800-per-week South Yarra rental where his girlfriend, Alex Pike, visited him after his separation. The property has been sanctuary for other AFL greats in the midst of high-profile divorces
Heartbreak hotel: The outgoing Collingwood coach, 48, has been living the bachelor lifestyle in South Yarra since splitting from his wife-of-18-years, Tania Minnici, in 2020. Pictured: Nathan Buckley at the SCG on May 15
Nestled behind a row of trees, the unassuming block is worlds away from the sprawling Toorak mansion he once shared with Tania, who is the mother of his two sons, Jett, 14, and Ayce, 12.
Built in 1980, the modest flat is one of just six residences in the block, and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two parking spaces.
It also includes renovated kitchen, dining room, living room and laundry.
Cosy interiors: Built in 1980, the modest flat is one of six residences in the block and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two parking spaces
Modest: It also includes renovated kitchen (pictured), dining room, living room and laundry
Lovers: Nathan has known cosmetic nurse Alex Pike, 44, since at least the start of the year, and their romance is said to be ‘effortless’. The couple were pictured together for the first time late last month in Melbourne
A covered terrace wraps around the side of the flat, offering tranquil views of the surrounding gardens.
The apartment is owned by Nathan’s friend Paul Roberts, an executive at sports marketing agency TLA.
It has housed several other heartbroken AFL stars over the years, serving as a sanctuary for sporting greats in the midst of high-profile divorces.
Tense: Nathan Buckley moved out of his marital home in December, just four days after announcing his split from wife Tania Minnici (left). At the time, the exes were pictured looking frosty as they carried his belongings out of the garage
A place to reflect: A covered terrace wraps around the side of the flat, offering tranquil views of the surrounding gardens
Retired AFL star James Brayshaw reportedly lived there during his marriage breakdown in 2014.
Geelong great Billy Brownless is said to have moved into the apartment in 2016 when his marriage to ex-wife Nicky was on the rocks.
Brownless was infamously blindsided when his Footy Show co-host and former friend Garry Lyon started a relationship with his wife of 18 years.
Renting from a mate: The apartment is owned by Nathan’s friend Paul Roberts, an executive at sports marketing agency TLA
If those walls could talk: It has housed several other heartbroken AFL stars over the years, serving as a sanctuary for sporting greats in the midst of high-profile divorces
Both men’s marriages had ended prior to Nicky and Lyon announcing they were dating, but Brownless still felt betrayed because they’d previously told him they were ‘just good friends’.
It comes after Nathan was pictured with new girlfriend Alex for the first time last month.
The pair have known each other since at least the start of the year, and insiders claim their romance is ‘effortless’.
Scandal: Geelong great Billy Brownless is said to have moved into the apartment in 2016 when his marriage to ex-wife Nicky was on the rocks. Brownless was blindsided when his Footy Show co-host and former friend Garry Lyon started a relationship with his wife of 18 years. Pictured (L-R): Billy Brownless, Nikki Brownless. Gary Lyon and Melissa Lyon in 2012
‘They are happy. It’s all good. It’s just very easy and comfortable really. They have a genuine connection,’ a friend of the couple told the Herald Sun.
The source added that Alex isn’t after fame, and isn’t ‘daunted’ by the attention that comes with being a WAG either.
‘They are just into normal stuff, yoga, natural health, keeping fit and staying positive,’ they said.
Alex is a mother of three based in South Yarra, just outside Melbourne’s CBD, but also has a home in Albury.
The pair’s relationship emerged just weeks after the champion midfielder announced his split from his wife of 18 years, Tania, last December.
Hot mama! Alex is a mother of three based in South Yarra, just outside Melbourne’s CBD, but also has a home in Albury
Split: Buckley split from his wife of 18 years Tania (right) in 2020