The mature aged rookie turned 34 in February at about the same time he began to show that he might be more than just a teacher at Collingwood this season.
After 55 games with Adelaide, 88 with the Western Bulldogs and 18 with the Lions, Hudson took the first bounce for the Magpies as a replacement for Darren Jolly, missing with injured ribs.
In doing so he became the 28th player to play for four or more clubs in VFL/AFL history.
Nathan Buckley praised Hudson's effort, and his work in the first half in particular. "He has not lost anything over the last couple of years," Buckley said. "He still covers the ground really well."
Post-game, Hudson admitted he was nervous when he woke up that morning to get ready to ply his trade in front of 72,000 at the MCG.
"At my elderly age the fear of failure is a bit more," Hudson said.
He need not have worried too much. He had a kick within the first minute, began a chain of handballs that led to a Jamie Elliott goal in the first 11 minutes, and then kicked a goal against the run of play in the third quarter. He finished the game with 22 disposals, including 14 contested possessions.
But he wasn't exactly relieved, given the magnitude of the loss.
"You'd rather get the four points and not get a kick, wouldn't you?" Hudson said.
Such a team ethic is what has made Hudson a popular workhorse at each of his four clubs.
As has his uncomplicated approach to the game.
When asked whether the substitution of Hawks ruckman Max Bailey in the third quarter so that Jarryd Roughead could ruck solo made much of a difference to the game, Hudson punched out a hearty laugh.
"I couldn't tell you mate. Not the brightest of sparks us tall blokes. They were too good for us all over the park. 'Roughy' is a bit quicker than us," Hudson said.
At 34, it's OK to admit that fact.
Hudson is unpretentious, a tradesman who turns up on time, tells the truth and keeps perspective when others around might start to worry.
The Magpies know Hudson will deliver what Buckley said is expected of all their players: "[To] give their absolute all when they are called upon."
That's what Hudson has always done.
Like a rock band whose final tour is as fun as its first, Hudson's on the road again, presumably remembering once more what the morning after the night before feels like.
Although Hudson was speaking for the team he could have been speaking about himself when he uttered the final words of his interview: "It's round three. [There is] a long time to go."
Age of players when making their debut with fourth club 30 or above
34 – Ben Hudson (Collingwood); round three, 2013
33 – Craig Davis (Sydney); round one, 1988
33 – Ted Baker (Footscray); round one, 1934
32 – Richard Osborne (Collingwood); round one, 1997
31 – Frank Kelly (St Kilda); round two, 1942
31 – Allan Davis (Collingwood); round one, 1980
31 – George Dougherty (South Melb); round nine, 1945
31 – Phil Carman (North Melb); round five, 1982
30 – Geoff Raines (Brisbane); round one, 1987
30 – Alf Clay (North Melb); round seven, 1944
