CARLTON great Anthony Koutoufides' time coaching a World Team in the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships has re-ignited his interest in coaching at AFL level.

Koutoufides initially tried to get into coaching shortly after his playing career finished in 2007, but was unable to find any suitors.

An invitation to coach the World Team however, has him thinking about another shot as an assistant or in a development coaching role, preferably with his beloved Blues.

"If the opportunity came, no doubt I'd look at it," Koutoufides told AFL.com.au in Sydney on Wednesday.

"I'm going to give this (World Team role) 100 per cent and whatever comes out of it comes out of it. I've absolutely loved it.

"Second year out from footy I tried to get back into coaching and didn't get any opportunities.

"Since then I never had too much thought of getting back into it.

"But when it comes to the Carlton Football Club, my blood bleeds blue after so many years I spent there.

"I'd definitely look at it, there's no problem with that."

A two-time All Australian and former captain and premiership winner with Carlton, Koutoufides admits he's been surprised by the side's troubles this year under new coach Mick Malthouse.

The 40-year-old expected the Blues to be pushing for a top four berth, rather than languishing in 11th place, two wins outside the top eight.

"There's no doubt at the start of the year, at this time of year I would've pencilled them in, if not in the top four, then vying for the top four," he said.

"It's certainly not that way and there's a few issues there at the club.

"They've been in games and shown glimpses of brilliance, but haven't been able to do it for four quarters in any game this year.

"They've got a lot of hard work ahead of them and there's going to be a lot of decisions made at the end of the year from top to bottom.

"Very interesting times. This will be 18 years without a premiership, which is unheard of for such a successful club.

"Things aren't looking great at the moment."

Koutoufides was also quizzed about the current state of the Carlton list, following comments from chief executive Greg Swann that "radical" changes are needed at the end of the year.

He wants the club to stick with ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and also believes Malthouse should persevere with small forward trio Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett.

"They've proven they can work, it's a matter of getting them working together," he said.

"At the moment they're not all playing consistently enough.

"But they're brilliant to have line-up because their speed just kills you."

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_JD