FORMER Carlton coach Brett Ratten says he is "up for the challenge" of being in charge of an AFL club again, but only in the right situation.

Ratten, 45, led the Blues to three finals appearances – winning one of four matches – in his five full seasons there before being sacked after they slipped from fifth in 2011 to 10th a year later.

He finished his time at Ikon Park with 60 wins, 59 losses and a draw, but is into his fifth year as an assistant coach at Hawthorn, where he looks after the midfield.

Ratten's name always comes up when a senior coaching vacancy comes up and he discussed his interest in a pre-match interview on 3AW on Thursday night.

"Never say never," Ratten said.

"I've been involved in footy for a long time and as you get older, you see things a little bit different and I've gone through a lot in my last couple of years personally (Ratten's son Cooper died in a car accident in 2015).

"It would have to be the right fit. I wouldn't do it just for the sake (of it), just with the scrutiny and what happens to your family as well.

"It puts a lot of pressure on everybody – just not you personally. I'm up for the challenge, but only if it's the right fit."

The Hawks' four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson last year backed Ratten to coach again if he wanted to, saying his record stacked up well, particularly with how Carlton had fared since he left.

Brendon Bolton (Carlton), Adam Simpson (West Coast), Luke Beveridge (Western Bulldogs), Damien Hardwick (Richmond), Chris Fagan (Brisbane Lions) and Leon Cameron (GWS) have gone on to be senior coaches after working under Clarkson.