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Second time around, Hudson ready
2:33:42 PM Tue 8 March, 2005
Alan Shiell
Exclusive to afl.com.au
Adelaide ruckman Ben Hudson, 26, a mature-age recruit if ever there was one, is ready for his second AFL season, admitting he has been on a 'steep learning curve' over the past year.
The 200-centimetre, 104-kilogram qualified physiotherapist remains one of football's best 'it's-never-too-late' stories, having played basketball and rugby league until, at 20, he switched to Australian football and, two years later, won a premiership and a best-and-fairest award with QAFL club Mount Gravatt.
Adelaide claimed Hudson with its third pick (No. 58 overall) in the National Bank's 2003 AFL Draft after he had enjoyed a good season with Werribee in the VFL, and he played 13 AFL matches last season and has impressed again during this pre-season, with his aerial work and willingness to also be working at the bottom of packs.
"So far it's been all right," Hudson said on Tuesday at The Shed, Adelaide's giant social complex a few Matthew Robran torpedo punts from AAMI Stadium, where the Crows were drifting in and out for an hour or so each and signing guernseys, footballs, etc - their so-called "annual signing session" - from 10am to 1pm.
"I suppose it's a marathon, not a sprint. It's a long season, so it's been good to get some early form and hopefully it will continue. It's helped not getting any injuries so I've been out there most days."
Hudson admitted he had made 'a few more strides' than he had in his previous pre-season with Adelaide, and added: "I'm not coming last in every event this time. I was struggling a fair bit last time. I've done a bit better this time.
"In the second year you feel more a part of the team and you're not so nervous turning up and seeing the likes of Roo (Mark Ricciuto) and kicking with Bungee (Andrew McLeod) and stuff like that.
"It's been a pretty steep learning curve, although obviously I learnt a bit coming up through Mount Gravatt and Werribee. But when you're doing footy 24/7 with the coaching staff and the other ruckmen, you learn pretty steeply.
"I suppose I understand the rucking game a little bit more. It's not crash and bash, you've got to think it a bit more. Guys like (ruck coach and North Adelaide legend) Mick Redden and Clarkey (Matthew Clarke) explained that pretty well.
"And I can actually run five kilometres without stopping now. So fitness is always a benefit. It certainly wasn't a strength when I came here and it's something I've just got to continue to work on.
"I don't set too many goals. You want to be a part of the team every week. That's a goal and also to be a part of a successful Adelaide Crows - that's probably the main aim.
"I suppose everyone from the juniors up has taken a step up and said, 'it's our club, we've got to control the destiny'.
"I think people this year are a lot more confident and have the courage, both on and off the field, to build this footy club in the right direction."
Asked how he would describe himself as a player, Hudson said: "I just go out here and have a crack early. I haven't had the junior experience so my skills aren't as silky as others. I think I'm pretty mobile for a ruckman so I just get around the packs and do my best, I suppose.
"I think I knew myself what I had to continue with. Craigy and the other coaches have put a word in here and there - fitness and also my disposals and skills have been highlighted."
The likelihood of Adelaide playing all three of its talls, with Clarke, 31, and Hudson rucking and the versatile, mobile Rhett Biglands, 27, used in attack or defence, and also in ruck when necessary, appeals to Hudson - knowing it would help ensure he got a regular game.
"I think it's the best idea anyone's ever had - if it can work, with Biggles playing up forward and maybe Clarkey and I working the ruck," he said, smiling. "We can definitely benefit from having three talls out there."
2:33:42 PM Tue 8 March, 2005
Alan Shiell
Exclusive to afl.com.au
Adelaide ruckman Ben Hudson, 26, a mature-age recruit if ever there was one, is ready for his second AFL season, admitting he has been on a 'steep learning curve' over the past year.
The 200-centimetre, 104-kilogram qualified physiotherapist remains one of football's best 'it's-never-too-late' stories, having played basketball and rugby league until, at 20, he switched to Australian football and, two years later, won a premiership and a best-and-fairest award with QAFL club Mount Gravatt.
Adelaide claimed Hudson with its third pick (No. 58 overall) in the National Bank's 2003 AFL Draft after he had enjoyed a good season with Werribee in the VFL, and he played 13 AFL matches last season and has impressed again during this pre-season, with his aerial work and willingness to also be working at the bottom of packs.
"So far it's been all right," Hudson said on Tuesday at The Shed, Adelaide's giant social complex a few Matthew Robran torpedo punts from AAMI Stadium, where the Crows were drifting in and out for an hour or so each and signing guernseys, footballs, etc - their so-called "annual signing session" - from 10am to 1pm.
"I suppose it's a marathon, not a sprint. It's a long season, so it's been good to get some early form and hopefully it will continue. It's helped not getting any injuries so I've been out there most days."
Hudson admitted he had made 'a few more strides' than he had in his previous pre-season with Adelaide, and added: "I'm not coming last in every event this time. I was struggling a fair bit last time. I've done a bit better this time.
"In the second year you feel more a part of the team and you're not so nervous turning up and seeing the likes of Roo (Mark Ricciuto) and kicking with Bungee (Andrew McLeod) and stuff like that.
"It's been a pretty steep learning curve, although obviously I learnt a bit coming up through Mount Gravatt and Werribee. But when you're doing footy 24/7 with the coaching staff and the other ruckmen, you learn pretty steeply.
"I suppose I understand the rucking game a little bit more. It's not crash and bash, you've got to think it a bit more. Guys like (ruck coach and North Adelaide legend) Mick Redden and Clarkey (Matthew Clarke) explained that pretty well.
"And I can actually run five kilometres without stopping now. So fitness is always a benefit. It certainly wasn't a strength when I came here and it's something I've just got to continue to work on.
"I don't set too many goals. You want to be a part of the team every week. That's a goal and also to be a part of a successful Adelaide Crows - that's probably the main aim.
"I suppose everyone from the juniors up has taken a step up and said, 'it's our club, we've got to control the destiny'.
"I think people this year are a lot more confident and have the courage, both on and off the field, to build this footy club in the right direction."
Asked how he would describe himself as a player, Hudson said: "I just go out here and have a crack early. I haven't had the junior experience so my skills aren't as silky as others. I think I'm pretty mobile for a ruckman so I just get around the packs and do my best, I suppose.
"I think I knew myself what I had to continue with. Craigy and the other coaches have put a word in here and there - fitness and also my disposals and skills have been highlighted."
The likelihood of Adelaide playing all three of its talls, with Clarke, 31, and Hudson rucking and the versatile, mobile Rhett Biglands, 27, used in attack or defence, and also in ruck when necessary, appeals to Hudson - knowing it would help ensure he got a regular game.
"I think it's the best idea anyone's ever had - if it can work, with Biggles playing up forward and maybe Clarkey and I working the ruck," he said, smiling. "We can definitely benefit from having three talls out there."
