Ball has played two games in the VFL on his comeback from a torn ACL last season, and starred against Williamstown on Sunday.
Buckley said he was certainly in the selection mix after two strong showings at VFL level.
"Whether the time is right to pull the trigger on 'Bally'... from a football sense it would make sense because he's played very well," Buckley said on Tuesday morning.
"But we need to be absolutely sure that he's had enough match conditioning to be right to go."
Buckley said the decision would come down to the advice of the club's medical staff, but that the travel factor would not come in to consideration.
"We really held him back to give him the best opportunity when he returned and he's now in fantastic nick," he said
"He's been sensational. He's a very special footballer and a great role model for our young players around the club."
The Magpies have had some strong performances in the VFL in the last few weeks, particularly veteran Alan Didak, speedy forward Caolan Mooney and defenders Jordan Russell and Marley Williams.
Buckley said it would be a "very interesting week at the selection table".
The Magpies' injury list is also beginning to ease, with Buckley saying Dayne Beams' recovery from a quad injury was progressing nicely.
Beams will join in light training duties next week, having already put in some hard work in the past few weeks.
The Pies, though, have lost defender Jack Frost for five to six weeks with a PCL injury and the selection chances of Alex Fasolo hinge on a hearing at the VFL tribunal on Tuesday night.
The Magpies face a crucial test against a fellow top four contender Fremantle this week.
"Fremantle has obviously got a heavy defensive focus, but they've been a very dangerous and attacking side, towards the end of last year in particular," Buckley said.
"We know we're going to go across and face a very tough opponent, same win-loss ratio, same aspirations to be a top four club and these sort of games show that you're actually heading in the right direction or you've got a bit of work to do."
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