Max Hudghton Biography

In an interview with Damian Barrett, Ross Lyon speculates that trading Luke Ball to Collingwood may have resulted in the Pies' Grand Final success in 2010 against his team.

"He took some IP (intellectual property), with Max Hudghton (as an assistant coach) to help teach the press to Collingwood, and their talent was very strong," Lyon said.

"Clarko (Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson) started that mobile grid and we did a bit of work and turned it into a strong press, and Collingwood hadn't done it very well in 2009, but in 2010, they became good."

Former Saints Max Hudghton and Aaron Hamill return to the club in specialist coaching roles.

"The appointment of Aaron and Max to these newly created roles will enable our list to receive high-performance coaching to further develop specific aspects of their game," coach Scott Watters said.

"They bring a high standard of technical knowledge, but as men they display exemplary character and values which reflect the culture we are creating at St Kilda."

Collingwood defender Nathan Brown says former Saint and now Magpies defence coach Max Hudghton played a big role in helping him shut down St Kilda superstar Nick Riewoldt during their recent match ups.

"He said that he had never played on him in a game, but he had spent 12 years playing with him in training and practice matches," Brown told the Herald Sun.

"He gave me confidence to back myself because, as a young player against a superstar, it can be frightening, especially on the Grand Final stage."

Retired Saint Max Hudghton reveals the pain of missing out on being a part of St Kilda's 2009 finals campaign which included a Grand Final.

"It was a very difficult time and I haven't dealt with something as difficult in my life, and that's not to exclude illness or a passing in your family or financial problems," he said.

"I hadn't really had to deal with anything, and to deal with that scenario, having something I dreamed of and really craved like no tomorrow, to be part of a successful team, was challenging but I tried to walk away with my dignity."

Recently retired St Kilda full back Max Hudghton has accepted a position at the Lexus Centre under Mick Malthouse.

"To be able to be involved in football to some extent, and particularly to work with Mick and the Collingwood Football Club will be a big change," he said.

"It's very exciting to be moving into a different environment, and move out of my comfort zone at St Kilda.

Veteran Saint Max Hudghton has retired after the club's tilt at the 2009 premiership fell at the last hurdle.

"I think it's fitting that I announce my retirement today," he announced at the club's supporter day at Etihad Stadium.

"I haven't formally even spoken to the boys, but I thought it was a great opportunity to get up here and thank all of the fans for the fantastic support that you've given me over many, many years."

St Kilda champion Robert Harvey says Max Hudghton is a victim of coach Ross Lyon's ruthless pursuit of a premiership after the popular defender failed to make the 2009 grand final side to face Geelong.

"For a bloke that's put in so much it's hard, but that's just part and parcel of footy. That's how brutal the business is and obviously St Kilda have only won one (premiership)," Harvey said.

"Ross is trying to get that second one and nothing is going to stand in his way.

"Some people don't understand why it would make such a difference in the end but that's just the way it is. There's a coldness almost about that quest to win another flag."

Max Hudghton season of turmoil culminates with him missing selection for St Kilda's grand final against the Cats.

Max Hudghton's hopes of returning to the senior St Kilda side remain slim as the Saints march towards their first grand final since 1997, a match that Hudghton also missed out on participating in.

''I understand everyone's interest and how tough it is for Max but it's a brutal business and St Kilda hasn't won a premiership since 1966, so we certainly can't put the individual ahead of the team,'' St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said.

Former St Kilda coach Stan Alves says the club should select Max Hudghton ahead of Zac Dawson for the finals if it comes down to a choice between the two.

"It is so important to have someone who has been there and done that. He is the ultimate competitor," Alves said.

"I believe he is a player who performs on the big stage and that is critical.

"It would be very, very unwise not to have him in the 22. He's got to be there."

Max Hudghton admits he considered not returning for a 13th season last year and is still undecided about his future.

"At about round 15 or round 16 I was still undecided last year," he said.

"I love footy, I love competing, I love getting out there and being part of a team so I was really keen to play on last year and obviously I thought I had a pretty solid year.

"Whether my career ends this year or next year it is not a decision that is being made by myself or the footy club at this stage. It's in the back of your mind but we're really concentrating on the time right now rather than any other time."

St Kilda veteran Max Hudghton is a doubtful starter for next week's clash with Geelong after straining an ankle ligament in the win over Richmond on Sunday.

Hudghton was stretchered off after a marking contest in the opening quarter but returned late in the following term.

He left the ground for good in the third term, and was seen on crutches after the game.

Max Hudghton will finally play football this weekend in the VFL.

However, there is no guaranteed fast track back to senior ranks with the Saints being one of the form sides early in 2009.

'We're pretty keen to keep those that are delivering. It's as simple as that, really, and everyone has to bang down the door to get back in. The reality is its no difference for Max,'' St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said.

The successful return of St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt from knee surgery on Friday has been tempered by another leg injury to Max Hudghton.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt is ready for round one, but defender Max Hudghton may be out for a month.