COLLINGWOOD assistant coach Nathan Buckley has deliberately kept a low media profile over the last 18 months to avoid focus being put on the Magpies' future as opposed to their present.

In an interview with Leigh Matthews that aired on Channel 7 during the half-time break of Friday night's clash with Geelong, Buckley said he planned to continue to maintain a low number of media appearances as the season progressed and his date when taking over as coach neared.

"One of the important aspects of being in a football environment is leadership, and the fact there can only ever be one guy setting the path for the club, and the voice of the club," Buckley said of incumbent coach Mick Malthouse.

"He's the final decision-maker on all things regarding the football department, regarding the team.

"I've been very conscious of no duplicity, even with the arrangement in place.

"I've always believed that if every individual within a club puts their head down and does their job to the best of their ability, that gives the club the best chance of success.

"I've thrown myself into my roles and been very focused on doing my job, first and foremost, and allowing others to do theirs."

Buckley also said he wanted to keep a lot of the current Collingwood coaching panel and football department together when he took over as senior coach at the end of this season.