The move means that Frost and Hudson can play in the senior team at any stage of the home and away season plus the finals series should Collingwood qualify.
As Collingwood's National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine outlined to collingwoodfc.com.au in December, the fact that the club had carried 38 players on the senior list into the new year gave it scope to have the two nominated rookies (one of which was committed to Hudson), creating competition among the remaining eight rookies during the NAB Cup.
Director of Football Geoff Walsh said that the nominations of of Frost and Hudson served several purposes.
"I think every one of our rookies had some sort of claims to be promoted. For Frosty and Ben to be promoted is a feather in their cap in that they've been judged the best performers, if you like, of a pretty good group," Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au.
"They've both also been considered on the basis of needs - Hudson as a back up for our ruck strength and Frosty for our back up big man defenders.
"It's not only as a back up. Their form has been terrific and they've really won their spot on their merits."
The pair come from vastly different footballing backgrounds.
Hudson's story is well known in AFL circles. He has played for three clubs (Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane) since debuting in 2004 and has twice announced his retirement before being cajoled into playing on again.
"It's my fourth club isn't it? I'm collecting jumpers, but it's an honour," Hudson laughed.
"It's good. It means I'm a chance to officially play a game if required, depending on obviously Jolls (Darren Jolly) and the other ruckmen, but I'm sitting on the bench if required, basically."
It's a different story for the 21-year-old Frost who has a handful of years of senior experience at VFL club Williamstown after graduating from the TAC Cup in 2010.
"I'm very excited. It's a flood of emotions I guess. Relief and excitement," he smiled.
"It's not really a weight off your shoulders because it's just another challenge. It's going to be harder to play in the premiership season."
Several of Collingwood's rookies used the NAB Cup to stake their claims for promotion onto the senior list, meaning the match committee's decision wasn't made easily.
Sam Dwyer, Kyle Martin, Adam Oxley, Caolan Mooney and Peter Yagmoor all performed well when given opportunities during the pre-season games and will enter the home and away season in the knowledge that consistent performances in VFL will be noted.
"I think all the rookies are the same. When you play NAB Cup, that's what you're hoping for as a rookie, to get some exposure and play well and get the upgrade," said Frost.
"It was tight I reckon. Sammy and Marto both showed a fair bit as well. It was just good to get it out of the way today and finally find out."
After round 11, clubs can name a mid-season nominated rookie who can then play for the rest of the season no matter how many players are on the club's senior list. A prime example of this rule in action is Jarryd Blair, who was promoted off the rookie list midway through 2010. He debuted against West Coast in round 14 and hasn't looked back, playing in all bar four of Collingwood's 63 games since.
