IN CAREER best form, St Kilda defender Max Hudghton will play on next year, delaying retirement plans for another year.

Hudghton, 32, had originally decided to retire at the end of this season, but had a change of mind after talking to coach Ross Lyon.

"We've agreed on another year," Hudghton told the Herald Sun.

"At the start of the year, I came in thinking this was going to be my last year.

"My body stood up pretty well and my form was solid.

"One of the reasons I'm happy to play on is I'm confident I can still compete."

Hudghton, after struggling with injuries the last few years, managed to play 23 of a possible 25 matches.

He was named in the 40 man All-Australian squad, and while he missed selection in the team, Hudghton managed to keep both Lance Franklin and Brendan Fevola under control.

In last week's preliminary final he kept Franklin to only one goal and in round 15 and 16 kept Franklin and Fevola to a combined six goals.

"It's probably been my best season," Hudghton said.

"A lot of people say you're dead over 30 in football terms, but who knows?"

While Hudghton would like to continue playing for another few years, he said that 2009 will definitely be his last.