Former Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley has strongly endorsed coach Mick Malthouse to gain a new contract at the AFL club.

There has been widespread speculation about the role, with the long-serving Malthouse out of contract at the end of the season.

Malthouse admitted before Friday night's epic one-point win over the Western Bulldogs that the uncertainty was starting to worry his family.

But club icon Buckley, often mooted as a possible replacement, gave Malthouse a boost with his comments on Sunday.

"I reckon Mick will be re-appointed, they've won seven games in a row, they're going to finish in the top four, all things being equal towards the end of the year," Buckley said on Channel Seven's AFL Game Day.

"Some of the form I saw Collingwood display early in the match against the Bulldogs was the best I've seen them play, as good as they've played in my time at the club.

"They're in great nick and the coach needs to get some credit and recognition for that."

Buckley wants to join a club next season in some sort of coaching role and, naturally, there is plenty of talking linking him to the Magpies.

One theory is that Malthouse will stay senior coach, with Buckley as one of his deputies.

In that scenario, Buckley would eventually take over as Collingwood coach.

Buckley said he was prepared to think about working under Malthouse at Collingwood.

"I suppose that's a consideration, I've got many options available to me and that's what the next part of this season is all about for me," he said.

"Since I've made the decision that I want to get back involved in a football club, and want to get involved in coaching in some capacity, I've started looking at the game a little differently."

Buckley also said he had starting speaking to Richmond, who are also looking for a new senior coach from next season.

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