Wayne Carey is closer to returning to North Melbourne on a regular basis than any time since the start of the 2002 season.

"I am good mates with Darren Crocker and Rocky (assistant coach Anthony Rock) and get along well with (football manager) Donald McDonald and all the guys that are involved there," Carey told Adelaide radio station 5AA.

"I'm more than willing to have a chat to some of the key forwards down at the club and that may happen later on in the year."