 Recruited from Coburg as a 16-year-old, Buckley began his career in the Carlton under-19s in 1951.He made his debut with the First XVII on 4 August 1956 – in place of the selected back pocket, Vin English – in the round 16 match against Collingwood, which Carlton won 12.12 (84) to 9.17 (71).Although he came to Carlton as a ruckman, he spent much of his time either in the back pocket or at full back.