Peter Hudson, Australian footballer and coach

Peter John Hudson AM, born on February 19, 1946, is unequivocally one of the most revered figures in the history of Australian Rules Football. This legendary former footballer carved out an extraordinary career as a full-forward, showcasing unparalleled goal-kicking prowess across both the Victorian Football League (VFL), now known as the Australian Football League (AFL), and Tasmania's Australian National Football League (TANFL). His remarkable achievements have rightfully earned him the coveted status of a 'Legend' in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.

A Goal-Kicking Phenomenon: The Hawthorn Years and VFL Dominance

Peter Hudson's name is synonymous with goal-kicking excellence, particularly during his time with the Hawthorn Football Club in the VFL. He remains etched in the record books for holding the highest career goal-per-game average in VFL/AFL history, an astonishing 5.64 goals. This incredible statistic places him in an exclusive club, being one of only two VFL/AFL footballers, alongside Essendon's John Coleman, to maintain an average of more than 5 goals per game across their careers – a truly astounding feat in a physically demanding sport.

His ability to consistently hit the scoreboard was legendary. Hudson was the first VFL/AFL player to kick 100 or more goals in a single season an incredible five times, a benchmark that underscores his relentless effectiveness in front of goal. The 1971 season saw him achieve another monumental milestone, equalling Bob Pratt's long-standing VFL/AFL record of 150 goals in a season. While the Coleman Medal, awarded to the leading goalkicker, was retrospectively recognised by the AFL back to 1955 for home-and-away season performance, Hudson retroactively secured this prestigious award four times, further solidifying his status as a premier full-forward.

The Art of the Full-Forward: Hudson's Signature Style

What made Peter Hudson so exceptionally effective? His playing style was a masterclass in the art of the full-forward. He possessed an uncanny ability to read the play, anticipating the ball's trajectory and positioning himself perfectly within the forward fifty. In one-on-one contests, Hudson knew precisely how to use his body to gain an advantage, often out-muscling opponents for prime real estate. Coupled with a famously safe pair of hands, he rarely fumbled a mark, ensuring possession once he got to the ball. While he was known for his distinctive flat punt when kicking for goal, a technique that might seem unconventional to some, his accuracy was legendary, making him a deadly and almost unstoppable force in front of the sticks.

Tasmanian Triumphs and Unparalleled Career Totals

Beyond his VFL exploits, Peter Hudson's career also saw him dominate the Tasmanian Australian National Football League (TANFL), playing for the New Norfolk Football Club and the Glenorchy Football Club. His career encompassed an incredible 1,721 goals in 288 premiership games between 1963 and 1979, with a brief but impactful comeback in 1981.

His final chapter as a player culminated dramatically in the 1981 TANFL Preliminary Final for Glenorchy. In a remarkable late-career comeback, prompted by a string of injuries to his team, Hudson returned for the final two rounds, kicking an astounding 30 goals in just three matches. This included six goals in Glenorchy's Preliminary Final loss to New Norfolk, showcasing that even at the twilight of his career, his goal-kicking touch remained potent. Throughout his extensive career, being held goalless was an exceptionally rare occurrence, happening only four times in premiership matches, highlighting his consistent threat to opposition defences.

Some historical sources, due to the TANFL's former practice of including goals from intrastate representative matches in player statistics (a ruling later rescinded), list Hudson's Tasmanian totals as even higher: 107 games and 769 goals for Glenorchy, leading to a TANFL total of 185 games and 1,147 goals, and a staggering career total of 314 games and 1,875 goals. When considering all elite Tasmanian competitions, representative games, and night series matches, Hudson's overall tally swells to an incredible 372 matches and a mind-boggling 2,191 goals. This extraordinary figure gives him an average of 5.89 goals per game over his entire career, cementing his status as the highest goalkicker in the history of elite Australian Rules Football.

From Player to Leader: Coaching and Administration

Peter Hudson's influence on Australian Rules Football extended far beyond his playing days. He successfully transitioned into coaching, experiencing immediate success. As a playing coach, he led Glenorchy to a TANFL premiership, demonstrating his leadership and tactical acumen. Later, he guided the Hobart Football Club to successive finals appearances, further proving his capability to shape a team from the sidelines. His post-playing career also saw him become a highly respected club administrator, serving as the CEO at both the St Kilda Football Club and his beloved Hawthorn Football Club during the 1990s, where he applied his deep understanding of the game to off-field operations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Hudson

Who is Peter Hudson?
Peter Hudson is a legendary former Australian Rules footballer, widely considered one of the greatest full-forwards in the history of the sport. He is an Australian Football Hall of Fame 'Legend'.
What teams did Peter Hudson play for?
He played for the Hawthorn Football Club in the VFL/AFL and for the New Norfolk Football Club and Glenorchy Football Club in the Tasmanian Australian National Football League (TANFL).
What records does Peter Hudson hold?
Peter Hudson holds the highest career goal-per-game average (5.64) in VFL/AFL history. He was the first VFL/AFL player to kick 100 or more goals in a season five times and equalled Bob Pratt's VFL/AFL record of 150 goals in a season in 1971. He is also the highest goalkicker in elite Australian Rules Football history with 2,191 goals across all competitions.
How many Coleman Medals did Peter Hudson win?
Peter Hudson won the Coleman Medal, awarded to the VFL/AFL's leading goalkicker, four times (retrospectively awarded).
When did Peter Hudson debut?
His senior premiership career began in 1963.
What did Peter Hudson do after his playing career?
After retiring as a player, Peter Hudson became a successful coach, leading Glenorchy to a TANFL premiership. He also served as a respected club administrator, including roles as CEO at St Kilda and Hawthorn.