NICK Maxwell wants to remain as Collingwood captain this year but if his teammates decide the time is right for change, coach Nathan Buckley says the Pies have two ready-made leaders who could step in.

Most respected commentators believe star midfielder Scott Pendlebury is the natural successor to Maxwell, and Collingwood great Tony Shaw has even called for the handover to take place as early as this season.

Looking for a leader: Heath Shaw and Harry O'Brien at a Collongwood training session on Wednesday. Credit:Getty Images

But Buckley on Wednesday also threw Luke Ball's name into the mix as another potential skipper, predicting the captaincy would come down to three standout candidates - Maxwell, who has held the role for the past four seasons, vice-captain Pendlebury, and Ball.

The Pies are going through their leadership process and while incumbent skipper Maxwell has Buckley's full support, the coach conceded the decision - expected to be delivered within the next fortnight - was not his to make.