Twist of fate: Brett Ratten was still smiling yesterday. Photo: Ken Irwin

MICK Malthouse last night ridiculed Collingwood president Eddie McGuire's claim that accepting the Carlton coaching job would endanger his health.

''My health is fine,'' Malthouse declared. He added that his philosophy in life, referring to a note written by his late brother-in-law, was never to let opportunities slip by.

''One of the reasons I live by that is I preach that to young people, if you've got the opportunity, do it. That may well be the case. I've got a lot to weigh up but those things are gentle reminders about life,'' the three-time premiership coach said in an interview with Channel Seven.

Illustration: Matt Golding

Carlton confirmed last week that Malthouse, who turns 59 this month, is a prime candidate to replace the sacked Brett Ratten. McGuire then inflamed tensions between the two men and the clubs when he said it had appeared the pressures of coaching might ''kill'' Malthouse in 2009, and this had prompted the arranged handover to Nathan Buckley two years later.

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Malthouse maintained he was ''undecided'' about the Blues job, but hit back at McGuire's remarks.

''How ridiculous. There will be no tit-for-tat with Eddie. My health is fine,'' he said. ''I want to get those blokes on the same kind of bike I ride regularly and we'll go for our two or three hour rides. I wouldn't put anyone through anything if I didn't think I could get through a season of footy.''

Malthouse said he was not motivated by revenge towards Collingwood, and reiterated that impact on his family would be the greatest consideration.

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All's fine in the Malthouse, Eddie