Ruckman Ben Hudson has been officially confirmed as Collingwood’s nominated rookie for the 2014 home and away season.

Hudson, who turned 35 last month, was retained on the club’s rookie list after playing seven senior and 10 VFL games last season.

Whereas the Magpies entered 2013 with 38 players on the senior list, which gave them the scope to name two nominated rookies, they began 2014 with 39, meaning only one of the six players on the rookie list could be nominated.

General Manager of List Management Derek Hine outlined the club’s plans last November.

“We will be going into the 2014 season with 39 players on our primary list,” Derek Hine explained to collingwoodfc.com.au.

“It means we will have a full book of rookie listed players, which will be five plus a Category B (international) rookie in Caolan Mooney. 

“Having 39 players on the primary list allows us to have a nominated rookie, which will be Ben Hudson who will provide back up for Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts.”

A nominated rookie is one that has the ability to play senior games from round one.

Hudson was an emergency for the club’s three practice matches during the pre-season and has performed well in both of the VFL Magpies’ practice matches in recent weeks.

Collingwood’s 2014 rookies:
25. Ben Hudson
37. Kyle Martin
38. Peter Yagmoor
44. Corey Gault
45. Jack Frost
48. Caolan Mooney