Hudson gets teeth into contest
Bulldog ruckman Ben Hudson is enjoying life at his new club
The Bulldogs snapped up the 29-year-old who had played 55 games for the Crows, and he's played all eight games for the Dogs this season.
Hudson is averaging 15 disposals, four marks and 14 hitouts a match, and said he's working on taking more marks of the contested variety.
"[Coach Rodney Eade's] been great for me, although I haven' t done a lot of work with him," Hudson said.
"I've probably done more with (former Essendon ruckman) John Barnes, and (assistant coach) Leon Cameron has a lot to do with me.
"What have I been working on? Trying to take a few more contested marks … and Barnesy's been helping me with my position around the ground. I'm pretty defensive as a ruckman, and I'm just getting to learn the times to run forward."
One of the big advantages of moving to a Melbourne-based club – especially for big blokes – is the huge reduction in travel, and although Hudson said he felt better, he wasn't sure if it could be put down to the lack of hours in the air.
"Certainly, from going back to Adelaide where you're travelling every second week can take a toll on your body. Initially we haven't had too much travel, but towards the end of the year I think we travel a bit.
"It's hard to say [how much it helps]. I'm probably feeling better because there's no loss on the board."