Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has confirmed he is currently in the North Melbourne coaching process.

Now an assistant coach at Geelong, Buckley was considered by Tasmania, before it decided on Ken Hinkley.

"I'm in the process at the moment," Buckley said on Fox Footy.

"Ask North (what the process is)...this is about the two big teams who have earnt their way here."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Nathan Buckley, assistant coach of the Cats walks to the huddle during the round nine AFL match between Geelong Cats and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 09, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Nathan Buckley, assistant coach of the Cats walks to the huddle during the round nine AFL match between Geelong Cats and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 09, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Adam Simpson and John Longmire have both ruled themselves out of the process amid speculation the Kangaroos are leaning towards an untried coach given Alastair Clarkson's tenure did not materialise as hoped.

Fremantle mentor Jaymie Graham is viewed as the front runner and has received glowing endorsement from across the industry, with Hinkley certain he will become a senior coach at some stage.

Buckley has previously expressed a desire to return to senior coaching.

He took Collingwood to the 2018 grand final.

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