Another chapter in Hudson story

The well-travelled Ben Hudson will enter his 10th AFL season this year at Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

BEN Hudson pauses briefly as he searches for the best way to describe his football career.

"Look ... I suppose you could say I have been around," the 34-year-old ruckman says.

Journeyman, perhaps?

"Yeah, that's a nice way of putting it."

It's a football journey that should have finished twice already, but has been revived for a stint at a fourth AFL club.

The well-travelled Hudson will enter his 10th AFL season this year at Collingwood after 55 matches for Adelaide, 88 for the Western Bulldogs and 18 last year for the Brisbane Lions.

There was meant to be a full stop after the Bulldogs.

But after retiring at the end of 2011 to return to his home state of Queensland, he was lured back to the AFL with a role to support the Lions' young ruckmen. There was meant to be another full stop after the Lions.

But then Hudson was enticed to the Magpies, first with a role as ruck coach to mentor young talls Jarrod Witts and Brodie Grundy, and then as a rookie to offer some insurance for Darren Jolly.

Hudson laughs when asked if he has trouble staying retired.

"I had planned to (retire) and I initially thought it (Collingwood offer) was for a coaching role of some description," Hudson said.

"I don't think Bucks (Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley) minds me saying I sort of laughed when he (told) me that they might be interested in me going around again at the meeting.

"I have enjoyed the AFL career that I have had. Obviously I've enjoyed it so much that I have come out of retirement twice."

After completing the AFL's Next Coach program, Hudson was instantly attracted to the coaching role offered to him by the Pies.

But he admits the prospect of pulling on the boots again took a little more convincing - before the competitor in him took hold.

"You feel a little bit like the heavyweight boxer - you say that will be it," Hudson said.

"Initially, I felt a bit of humour in it ... but you would be lying if you didn't say that competitive side of any footballer still burns."

Hudson was initially expected to play a supporting part at the Lions last year, but injuries to Matthew Leuenberger saw him play a much greater role.

He played 18 matches, finishing just outside the AFL's top 10 for hitouts and hitouts to advantage.

Even still, Hudson again had to get his mind - and body - around the thought of another pre-season.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was over in Utah thinking, 'What am I doing over here?'," he said.

Hudson says he is happy to play whatever role Buckley and the Magpies require - as a back-up for Jolly, or a back-seat to the young talls.

"I suppose Daz has played a major role for the last few years so, obviously managing all what he can and can't do, he'll play the lion's share," Hudson said.

"If the young guys come along, which they expect them to do, I'm not too frightened to say, 'Look, for the progress of the footy club and their footy they should certainly get their hand up'.

"But at the end of the day, that is Bucks' decision. I will just stay fit and healthy and if I am needed to play, be that at the VFL level or AFL level, I will put my hand up.

"When you get to my age, you don't set too many goals."

The 208cm Witts (2011 draft) and the 202cm Grundy (2012 draft) remain in the early days of their ruck development, but Hudson sees plenty in the pair.

Asked if he could see his own playing journey extending beyond this season, Hudson said: "I'm pretty sure it's not going to go any further than six months.

"I have to say that I am pretty lucky to have this role, I think it works well.

"You still get to be involved with the players, but at the same time when the training gets too hard, you can just put on your coach's jumper and stand on the sidelines.

"I am just easing into retirement, permanently."

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