MICK Malthouse is making a coaching comeback — as The Recruit’s new recruit.

Malthouse, football’s longest-serving coach, has joined the Foxtel reality show that offers one player a guaranteed place on an AFL list.

“It’s new ground, so to speak, but the principles are the same and that’s the thing I’m looking forward to,’’ Malthouse said.

“It came out of the blue, really. Given that I’ve spent the majority of my adult life in football and or coaching, and coaching by definition is development, when this came along it’s a really interesting phase to go into.

media_camera Former Collingwood and Carlton coach Mick Malthouse is joining The Recruit as its new coach. Picture: Sarah Matray

“We’re dealing with young men from 20 years of age up until about 26 or 27 who have a passion to want to get somewhere in life. It’s an opportunity for them to get better and develop and see where it takes them. To be part of that journey is very exciting.”

Three-time premiership coach Malthouse, whose 718 games in charge at four clubs spanned more than 30 years, cast his eye over the top 50 players yesterday as they played a practice match at Trevor Barker Oval in Sandringham.

Produced by McGuire Media, The Recruit will be a 10-part series on FOX8 next year