Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is reportedly close to inking a two-year contract extension at the Pies.
Buckley faced speculation over his career last year after the Magpies conducted a whole-club review.
After committing until the end of the 2019 season, Buckley is now reportedly seeking an extension that will keep him at Collingwood until the end of 2021.
The former Brownlow medalist has told AFL.com.au that the club seems to be on board as well.
“I think ‘Ned’ (manager Craig Kelly) has had preliminary conversations (with the club),” Buckley said.
“I don’t think there’s any value in leaving it later in the year.
“I love the club, I still want to be there, and I get the sense they’re pretty happy for me to continue in due course.”
If Buckley’s contract is renewed, it would take his tenure to 10 years at the helm, equalling Leigh Matthews’ record at the Pies.
Buckley’s stint nearly ended prematurely though, with the club finishing 13th in 2017.
But after steering his side to a Grand Final in 2018, Buckley has a renewed sense of confidence.
“We might be in the same circumstance in 12 months, regardless of whether things go well or poorly,” he said.
“In the end, it’s only what’s best for the footy club.
“Those things are really internal issues that will be dealt with internally and the importance of them otherwise is something that’s generally a product of the external focus.
“There’s plenty of people who have been re-contracted in our organisation in the last six months and will be in the next six months.
“If it’s me, then I’ll be one of them.”
Collingwood’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday night, which should see negotiations ramp up ahead of the 2019 season.