Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and wife Tania confirm split

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and wife Tania have separated after 18 years of marriage, the couple confirmed today.

Ms Buckley made the announcement via social media.

"It has been a tough and challenging year for every family and for ours included," the Instagram post read.

"It is with the utmost of love and respect for each other and a true commitment to our sons, that we made a decision to separate in January."

Ms Buckley said the prime focus for the pair was their two sons and asked for people to respect the family's privacy.

"We remain dedicated parents and in the interests of our boys, we ask for our family to be given the privacy that is needed," she said.

"We thank everyone in advance for understanding our request and for the unconditional love and support we have received throughout our marriage."

Buckley - more commonly referred to as 'Bucks' married Tania (then Minnici) on New Year's Eve in 2002.

Bucks is a champion of the AFL, winning the Collingwood best and fairest six times during his playing career and coaching the club since 2012.