THE GOLD Coast Suns Academy will have its fingerprints all over the Allies squad and wider draft space this year, with Max Hudson among the booming prospects. A tall defender who prides himself on his aerial game and defensive craft, the 18-year-old has spent a block of preseason with the senior Suns.

Modelling his game on Charlie Ballard, Hudson has his sights set on having a strong Academy Series to make the Allies squad and play every game throughout the National Championships. We spoke to Hudson at Queensland’s recent preseason testing combine on the Gold Coast.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Max, can you start with your earliest football memories and your journey through the pathway?

MH: My earliest footballing memory was probably playing Auskick across the road, I lived across the road from the footy club. I’d go over there every Friday night and play Auskick. Then through the pathway, I started in the academy at Under 13s and have been going through it since then. I played the [Under] 16s and now I’m in the 18s. 

Q: Have you had any key mentors along the way?

MH: I’d say my dad. He never really forced me into footy but he always had a kick with me if I needed someone to have a kick with. Then one of my friend’s dad, Andrew Covino. He coached a lot of my junior teams which is always good help. I knew the coach, felt comfortable around him.

Q: How has being part of the Suns Academy helped your development?

MH: It’s been really good, lots of opportunities. This year a few of the players got to do the AFL preseason, so that’s been unreal. Training with the top players, playing on some of the blokes you watch on TV, it’s pretty cool. It’s helped heaps. All the gym programs, the nutrition, everything they go through, it’s been really good.

Q: How has preseason been for you?

MH: It’s been probably my best preseason. We didn’t have much of a break really, kicked off in early November. Started doing some of the sessions with the AFL boys, and then did four weeks prior to Christmas with them. That was really good, being in an AFL environment every day, working with ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick), which is unreal. Then post-Christmas back at the academy, I’ve been trying to take everything I’ve learnt from AFL and bring it back. I’m excited for the year ahead.

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Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

MH: I feel like I’m a strong aerial player who can intercept mark. I like playing as that third tall in the backline. I’m trying to introduce some more leadership into my role this year being an older boy in the team.

Q: What are some of the other strengths in your game?

MH: I’d say my running patterns are pretty good and positioning, defensive work, defensive craft. My endurance is a strength as well.

Q: Is there anything you’re still looking to work on?

MH: I’m probably looking to just work on my kicking. It’s okay, but I feel like it’s the point where I can focus on this year and just improve decision making, kicking, that sort of area.

Q: Are you still going to play that defensive role this year, do you think?

MH: Yeah, that’s the plan. I’ll start back and might try to go forward at times, but mainly I’d say that defensive role.

Q: Is there a player you mould your game on or look up to at the top level?

MH: I’d say probably Charlie Ballard. Obviously being able to work with him and see what he does on and off the field, it’s been really cool.

Q: Which AFL club do you support?

MH: I go for the Suns… I’ve always gone for them, since I was five.

Q: What are some of the goals you’re hoping to achieve this year?

MH: This year I want to have a strong Academy Series and get picked in Allies. I want to try and play every Allies game, and then obviously the big goal is to get drafted at the end of the year.

Q: Is there a teammate you think we should look out for to have a big season?

MH: Cooper Collins, I reckon. He’s had a strong preseason, he’s really shown a lot.

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