MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Magpies head coach Nathan Buckley look dejected after defeat after their defeat during the 2018 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has split from his wife Tania after 18 years of marriage.

In a joint statement published in the Herald Sun, the former power couple confirmed they mutually decided to separate in January and are working together to focus on co-parenting their two sons Ayce, 12, and Jett, 14.

“It has been a tough and challenging year for every family and for ours included,” the statement to the Herald Sun said.

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

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

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

Tania also took to Instagram to confirm the split by posting a photo of the pair in happier times.