Former Collingwood senior coach and current Geelong assistant Nathan Buckley has emerged as a genuine candidate for the North Melbourne role.
The Kangaroos are on the hunt for a new coach after sacking Alastair Clarkson with one year remaining on his deal.
Buckley was previously targeted for the position before he succeeded Michael Malthouse at the Pies in 2012.
Buckley has been in the market for a senior AFL coaching role and was part of the process in Melbourne's race, which appointed Steven King, as well as Tasmania, who named Ken Hinkley as the inaugural coach.
The Brownlow Medallist returned to the coaching caper ahead of 2026, joining Chris Scott and the Cats to weaponise his already long coaching experience.
A report on Channel Seven indicated Buckley met with North Melbourne football boss Todd Viney on Wednesday.
"Nathan Buckley has emerged as a serious candidate to take over the North Melbourne vacant coaching job."
Todd Viney caught up with Nathan Buckley this morning, per Tom Morris.
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Multiple reports have indicated the Kangaroos are on the hunt for a first-time coach.
Former North Melbourne players and premiership coaches John Longmire and Adam Simpson opted out of the process.
As did Simon Goodwin, who is enjoying his assistant role at Sydney after a long stint at Melbourne, where he delivered the 2021 drought-breaking flag.
Jaymie Graham, Daniel Giansiracusa, James Kelly, Murray Davis and Roos assistant Xavier Clarke are tipped to be part of the process.
Former Roo and Bulldogs assistant Daniel Pratt confirmed he is interested in taking the next step towards senior coaching.
The Kangaroos coaching panel that will determine the Clarkson replacement is made up of chief executive Jennifer Watt, former Collingwood player Steele Sidebottom, North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow, AFLW premiership coach Darren Crocker and Viney.
