On Monday the Collingwood website revealed that Hudson would fill one of two positions the club has reserved for nominated rookies before lodgements close on Tuesday .
The veteran 'rookie', now at his fourth club, has previously played for Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions.
He announced his retirement at the end of last year, but was swayed by the Pies to make a return to bolster the club's ruck stocks.
Pies coach Nathan Buckley has already praised Hudson for the "mongrel" he brings as the senior understudy to Darren Jolly and as a complement to developing youngster Jarrod Witts.
Of the other rookies in contention mature-age recruits Sam Dwyer and Kyle Martin seem to be in a neck-and-neck race to earn the nod.
Dwyer was one of Collingwood's best players in the club's practice match against Geelong on Friday night, with Buckley impressed by the 26-year-old's effort and desire.
"Sam Dwyer's performance and intensity today was indicative of a player who there was no tomorrow for and he was playing for everything," Buckley said directly after the match.
"That showed in his effort, his will and his intent, and that was a fair contrast to the majority of our players."
Martin also shone for the Magpies in the VFL on Saturday, racking up plenty of possessions against a Geelong VFL side containing Steve Johnson and James Kelly.
He played in three of Collingwood's NAB Cup games, averaging 11 disposals and two tackles per game.
"All you can do is your best and see what direction they want to go with. Whatever the direction they choose I'm sure there's some very good reasons for it and I'll just keep supporting the Collingwood Football Club and what they decide," Martin told collingwoodfc.com.au regarding the prospect of elevation.
"I'll be happy for anyone who gets it."
Fellow rookies Jack Frost and speedy half-forward Caolan Mooney have also shown some promising signs through the NAB Cup, and featured in a strong Pies line-up on Friday night.
They could both come in to contention for the Pies if they sustain injuries later in the season.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter- @AFL_BenGuthrie
