Former Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley seems set to return to the Magpies as part of a dream coaching ticket alongside Mick Malthouse after turning down an offer to coach North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos had made it clear that even though Buckley had no previous coaching experience, he was their No.1 choice from 2010 onwards after Dean Laidley stood down as coach midway through this season.

But Buckley was meeting with North Melbourne officials on Monday where it was understood he would turn down a four-year deal worth approximately $2.8 million.

The only other vacant head coaching position in 2010 is at Richmond where Buckley had indicated he was prepared to undergo an interview.

But he could be confirmed as Malthouse's assistant for the next two years within the next few days.

That arrangement would probably entail Buckley replacing the 55-year-old Malthouse as head coach in 2012 after two years learning the ropes.

Buckley told Radio 3AW that the timing of Monday's meeting with North had been agreed to a month ago.

"The whole arrangement is that I've been open, honest and transparent with any of the organisations I've spoken to," he said.

"They've known exactly where I've stood the whole way along and I've tried to maintain that integrity with them throughout the process.

"... (Collingwood) has been an option right along and it's not one I've discounted at any stage, it's one that other people have discounted for me.

"I've kept an open mind throughout the whole year."

Sportingbet Australia have now installed former Kangaroos star and current Sydney assistant John Longmire as the $3 favourite to take the top job at Arden St.

Caretaker coach Darren Crocker is the second favourite at $3.50 ahead of David King and Damien Hardwick (both $5).

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