FORMER Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley has been given a glowing endorsement as a potential coach by two of his former teammates.
Magpies Scott Pendlebury and Dale Thomas believe Buckley, who is currently working with them as an assistant coach of the International Rules side, has the natural nous to make the transition into a full-time coaching role.
"He's been pretty good, with his knowledge of the game, having played it a few times," Pendlebury said, ahead of this Friday’s second Test against Ireland.
"I suppose he's a natural leader, which most of the boys are with the way they get out there and share their knowledge.
"I'm sure if Bucks wants to go that way, he'll be able to. He's smart enough and he'll definitely put in the time to do it if he wants it."
Buckley retired at the end of 2007 after an injury-plagued final season at Collingwood. He has since worked in the media, both on television and radio, as a football commentator.
Thomas said his former captain's best trait as a coach is his ability to relate to the players.
"He did a fair bit of coaching when he was playing, and he's always had that high focus on leadership and explaining the game," he said.
"It's good to have him here, and he's played the game so he can help out a bit too.
"I know he fancies himself as a coach, but he's certainly fantastic at it.
"He's a very good explainer of the game and a very good teacher. He's got such a wealth of knowledge, so he communicates that well."
The Collingwood pair has also been required to get used to a more "casual" Mick Malthouse, with their usual coach taking control of the Australian side.
"He's a bit more relaxed than the normal Mick, but he's fantastic," Thomas said, when asked what it's like to play under Malthouse in a different arena.
"He's another one who understands all facets of sport so well, and this game is no different.
"He communicates that, and he's helping out a lot."
Pendlebury said Malthouse's tactical side is what makes him an effective coach of the hybrid game. He also believes his mentor has gained the respect of the entire Australian squad because of it.
"All the players have gotten along with him so well," he said.
"Me and Daisy pick up on his jokes a lot quicker than anyone else does, because we've been around him longer.
"All the guys asked us how he was, and we said that he's a very smart coach and likes to have a bit of a joke as well, and all the boys have found him to be great.
"He's pretty similar to what he's like at Collingwood, but he tries to stay more relaxed.
"He's so tactically inclined that he picks it up pretty well and I think he'll be better for the experience as well."
