Footy legend Nathan Buckley lays claim to the title of Australia's fittest 53-year-old as he jogs with his son

Collingwood great Nathan Buckley is hoping to land the job of coaching the new Tasmanian Devils AFL team - but he looked like he could win a contract as a player as he stepped out shirtless for a run last weekend.

The 53-year-old was joined by his son Jett as they jogged in a Melbourne park, with Buckley going shirtless on a warm day.

The former Magpies star and coach was known as one of the fittest players in the game during his 280-game career, and he has stayed in amazing shape since bringing his on-field career to a close in 2007.

Buckley is now waiting to hear whether he'll be named coach of the Tasmania Devils side, which is due to enter the AFL in 2028.

Back in August, he voiced his interest in taking over from Simon Goodwin as coach of the Melbourne Demons.

'I would take the call,' Buckley said.

'I would have a chat, but a lot would have to fall into place to leave this position of comfort I have found [working in television]. 

'If you feel like there's a case, if you like the people, if you see the opportunity to make a change and make a difference then you're going to have to work that out quick smart.' 

However, the Demons decided to go with Steven King in the top role in a decision that could have a silver lining for Buckley.

'I had to risk sacrificing an opportunity to coach Melbourne to keep an opportunity to coach Tasmania, because the timelines just didn't match up,' Buckley said after King was appointed.

'Melbourne, rightfully, made the decision on a coach that was absolutely all-in and wanted to do the job and that was Steven King.'

Buckley – who coached the Pies to the 2018 Grand Final – added he was 'more attracted to the Tasmania job than the Melbourne job' as working with a new sporting franchise would be a unique opportunity.

'Prosecuting [weighing up] the Melbourne case and where I sit in my coaching career [I've concluded] I do want to coach again... and I haven't really been able to say that until probably about a month ago,' he said.

'I'd love to be involved in the Tassie process, and that journey. I'll have a chat with them and see if that's involved in a more official capacity.'