Hudson, 33, started training with the Magpies this week after retiring from the game for the second time in October.
Watch the unveiling of Quinten Lynch, Clinton Young and Jordan Russell at Wednesday morning's press conference on CTV in the video above.
He has committed to the Pies as ruck coach for 2013, and is considering nominating for the rookie draft with an eye to play on for a ninth season.
The Pies have said they will select him if he nominates and is available.
Buckley said if Hudson did become a Collingwood player, he could be elevated to the senior list as the Pies' nominated rookie at the end of March.
Jolly will handle the majority of the Pies' ruck work with support from experienced recruit Quinten Lynch next year, while Hudson will be there as back-up and to mentor untried rucks Jarrod Witts and Brodie Grundy.
But Buckley said there was no reason he couldn't play alongside Jolly if he was required to.
"Ben understands full well the position he'll be in … it will be a product of his form and the circumstances of the ruck situation at senior level," Buckley said.
"Who's to say those two [Jolly and Hudson] won't be rucking together by the end of the year?
"There's no circumstance we haven't considered but our priority is to provide development to Jarrod and Brodie, and to support Darren so he's in great shape come the end of the year.
"If we're fortunate enough to secure him in the rookie draft, he'll add to our depth there."
Hudson played 18 games for the Lions this year, which took him to 161 AFL games across three clubs.
Buckley said the ex-Bulldog, Crow and Lion had appealing attributes along the lines of a physical ruckman who could teach Witts and Grundy, who are both chances to debut next year if their form warranted it.
"Ben plays the game in a real, aggressive manner and we want all our big units to be animals. We want them to have their teammates walk taller around them," he said.
"We think Ben's attitude to footy and to ruck work in particular can rub off on both Jarrod and Brodie, and we look forward to that taking part in the next couple of years."
Jolly, 31, was managed throughout this season, playing 20 games.
Buckley said the idea of helping their key big man get through the year unscathed - and possibly prolonging his career beyond the final season in his Collingwood contract - influenced the decision to go for Hudson.
"Darren has stood up considerably well in his time at Collingwood and throughout his career," he said.
"He has one year to run on a contract but I wouldn't discount his ability to play another one or two beyond that.
"He's come back in great shape today.
"We will definitely manage him throughout the season; I think that's becoming more and more prevalent, the fact that to be able to be in the right shape at the right time is the most important thing.
"Best laid plans can go awry, which is why we felt Ben was important part of it, if we're fortunate enough to secure him from a playing perspective."
Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.
