Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has further fuelled the links between the inaugural coaching position for the Tasmania Devils, who are set to join the AFL competition in 2028.
Tipped as one of the leading candidates for the role, despite not officially indicating a conversation with the Devils, Buckley is widely regarded as one of the game's best minds and is expected to be in the running.
After resigning from the senior role at Collingwood in 2021, the Brownlow medallist transitioned into the media and would deny a return to the coaching ranks.
However, speaking on Fox Footy's On the Couch, Buckley said there's an "interest" in the club's direction.
“I have interest in what that organisation is going to look like and how it's going to come together, if there's 100 steps, I haven't even taken step one to understand it,” Buckley said in reply to Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall.
“I think it's a very different proposition to the other 17 roles."
Buckley admitted that no one had yet contacted him about the vacant position but would not vehemently rule out the potential return.
“Absolutely zero… the first I'd heard of it was reading it and there hasn't been any discussion since. I'm pretty sure that there wouldn't be anything floated until probably Brendan (Gale)'s out of that role and they start working out the next steps they're going to take,” Buckley said.
“It's something that I would like to have a look at and to learn more about, to understand more about whether there was a synergy there that was for the club's benefit.
Buckley first joined the AFL competition when he was signed by the Brisbane Bears ahead of the 1993 season.
Playing in 20 games and being awarded the Rising Star, the South Australian opted for a move to Collingwood.
Stretching his career for another 14 seasons, Buckley quickly became a familiar name around the country as one of the game's best players.
A Brownlow medal (2003), a Norm Smith medal (2002), seven All-Australians (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003), six Copeland Trophies (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003) and the captain of the Collingwood football club (1999-2007).
His resume had it all except for the elusive premiership.
As a player, Buckley would lose the 2002 and 2003 grand finals to a Brisbane dynasty.
Retiring at the end of 2007 and 280 games, the penetrating right-footer took a year off before re-joining the Pies in a coaching capacity ahead of 2010.
As an assistant coach, Buckley played a key role in taking Collingwood to the promised land.
Taking over from Michael Malthouse from 2012 onwards, the club was on a steady decline until a surprise turn in 2018 that saw the Pies playoff in the decider once more.
Buckley seeking the premiership medallion, the Magpies lost by five points to West Coast.
The desire for the 51-year-old would still ring strong as a flag hasn't found its way into the hands of the modern-day champion.
And with Tasmania expected to go down the path of an experienced coach to head the club from 2028 onwards, Buckley seems like the perfect candidate.