Nathan Buckley has expressed a potential openness to the Melbourne coaching role.
Alongside Adam Simpson, Ken Hinkley and John Longmire, Buckley was one of several experienced senior coaches without roles entering 2026 linked to the Dees job following the sacking of Simon Goodwin on Tuesday.
He was quizzed about the prospects of him taking on the role on SEN on Wednesday morning.
“It would need to be something quite compelling to leave this (current life),” Buckley said on SEN.
“The Devils timeline was good because it was on the horizon. This one's a little bit sharper.
“I would take the call, and I would have the chat, but there would still be a lot that would have to fall into place for me to leave this position of comfort I've discovered.
Asked directly if he still had the desire to coach, Buckley said: “It's there, otherwise it would be an easy no.”
Buckley served as Collingwood coach for 10 seasons and took the Magpies to the 2018 Grand Final.
Despite finishing lower on the ladder each season since its drought-breaking 2021 flag and being widely critiqued for their game style in 2025, Buckley could see the positives on the horizon for the Demons.
“I think the Melbourne prospect is quite compelling,” Buckley said.
“There's a lot that needs to settle.
"Big club, storied history.
"Experience in the playing group is unquestioned, and I like their young group of players as well.
“In that sense, there is a compelling case there, but there's plenty of water to go under the bridge.”
