The well-travelled Ben Hudson is ready for his Collingwood debut. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
COLLINGWOOD back-up ruckman Ben Hudson is on standby to replace injured Darren Jolly against Hawthorn on Sunday.
Hudson is vying with younger understudy Jarrod Witts for the No.1 big man role if Jolly is ruled out because of a rib injury.
Jolly escaped bone fractures but has rib cartilage damage from a heavy knock that forced him to go to hospital late in Sunday's game against Carlton.
While the Magpies will monitor the dual premiership ruckman's progress, it's doubtful he will be ready in time to play on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Hudson is favourite to make his debut for his fourth AFL club after a strong performance in the VFL team's win against North Ballarat at Victoria Park on Saturday.
"He's absolutely ready to step up any time when he's needed. He's important for our kids' development, but he's also going to be a great contributor when we need him," Magpies head development coach Craig McRae said yesterday.
It would be another remarkable milestone in Hudson's wandering football career that has taken him to Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions - and twice being coaxed out of retirement.
A veteran of 161 games who was recruited primarily to mentor the younger big men, Hudson decided to play again after being picked up by the Magpies in the AFL rookie draft in December.
Solid pre-season form prompted Collingwood to elevate him to the main list as a nominated rookie, along with defender Jack Frost.
He is working with 208cm Witts, who has played in the NAB Cup and is close to getting his senior chance.
Midfielder Dale Thomas is nearly ready to return after his second VFL game following off-season ankle surgery.
Thomas said the club's cautious approach in not rushing his AFL return would benefit him in the long term.
But it has been a frustrating wait and he will be telling coach Nathan Buckley it's been long enough.
"I'll be having a chat with Nathan throughout the week," Thomas said yesterday. "I'll be certainly telling him that if he's happy to pick me, I'll be more than happy to play."
Thomas said Alex Fasolo and Alan Didak, who also played in the VFL on Saturday, would be pressing for senior selection.
But with young small forward Jamie Elliott having starred with a matchwinning five-goal haul against Carlton on Sunday and rookie-list recruit Sam Dwyer also performing well, it will be hard to find players to drop from a winning side.
"It's a good problem to have," Thomas said.
"A lot of the blokes who are coming into the senior team are doing a fantastic job."
With AAP
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