The two-time AFL premiership captain, in Albury to speak at the Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock Saints Football Club’s annual lunch, believes North Melbourne simply has to pick the best man for the job.

But still holding an emotional attachment to the club where he played 244 games, Carey did admit he would love to see his former teammate get the senior gig next year.

“I would love to see him coach but there’s a process they have to go through and the club wouldn’t be doing itself any justice if it didn’t interview other guys,” he said.

“I’m not close enough to that side of things any more but I know he’s a great person, I spoke to him the other day and I’d be rapt for him to get it.

“I don’t know (if he is a good coach) because I haven’t played under him but I know he has great people skills, (which is) one of the things a modern day coach has to have.

“You have to get along and communicate with all the players.

“Some are outspoken and then you’ve got your introverts, so you have to cater to all types and I’m very confident Darren can do that.

“He’s had a good apprenticeship, coached a side in the VFL at Richmond (Coburg) and he’s doing a pretty good job at the moment, although I’m sure he’ll definitely like a win this weekend.”

Crocker stepped in to the Roos’ top job in June after Dean Laidley stepped down.

He has led the team to five losses and a draw.

While Crocker and former Kangaroo John Longmire are considered frontrunners for the senior gig, Carey said it wasn’t imperative for the Roos’ next coach to have North Melbourne ties.

“I don’t necessarily believe they need to,” he said.

“From what I understand ‘Crock’ will apply for the gig, Anthony Rock has been an assistant under Ross Lyon (at St Kilda) and Neale Daniher (at Melbourne) so he’s had some great coaches to learn from, and of course another favourite son is John Longmire, who’s done a great apprenticeship under Paul Roos (at Sydney).

“If it did go to a North Melbourne person, that would be great, but that’s just me being selfish and wanting a mate ... to get what would be a prize job.”