Nathan Buckley has refused to rule out putting his hand up as a candidate to be the inaugural coach of the AFL’s 19th team, the Tasmania Devils. Buckley has not entertained the idea of a return to the coaches’ box since his departure from Collingwood in 2021, despite regular speculation around vacant jobs since then. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Nathan Buckley refuses to rule out new coaching gig.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today But the 2018 grand final coach was coy when asked on Monday about the prospect of being courted by the Devils ahead of their entrance into the competition within the next five years. “Do you want to be the next coach of Tassie?” Buckley’s SEN co-host Kane Cornes asked on Monday morning. Cheekily trying to change the subject, Buckley replied but refused to address the question directly.

“Tassie is a beautiful state, isn’t it?” a smiling and slightly embarrassed Buckley answered. “Beautiful countryside. It’s at one with nature.

There’s a lot that Tassie has going for it.” Interjecting repeatedly and in a flash, Cornes wouldn’t drop it. “So, is that a yes?” the Port Adelaide great pressed.

But Buckley wouldn’t budge. “Still plenty to go under the bridge, I would’ve thought,’ Buckley said. “Maybe you need to have more than a CEO to make decisions.

” Tasmania earlier this month announced the signing of famed Richmond boss Brendon Gale as its inaugural CEO. Gale is the last senior leader standing from the .