Ben Hudson's career looks set to be revived yet again with the veteran ruckman poised to join Collingwood via the rookie draft.
The 33-year-old has signed with the Magpies as a ruck coach, but the club has also signalled their intention to draft him as a mature-aged rookie.
It is the third time Hudson has reneged on his retirement in three years.
In 2011, he announced his retirement after four years at the Bulldogs only to move back to his home state of Queensland and play a season with Brisbane.
And after retiring again last month following a successful season at the Lions, Hudson looks set to play for a fourth AFL club having started his career at Adelaide in 2004.
Collingwood are hopeful he will provide valuable support to No.1 ruckman Darren Jolly, while also mentoring youngsters Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts.
"Ben will work closely with our young ruckmen and we think, with his experience and example, he will be outstanding in that role," Collingwood football director Geoff Walsh said.
"But we have also committed to selecting Ben in the rookie draft if he nominates because we think he can also offer strong support to Darren Jolly as the two young boys mature.
"Ben had a fine season for Brisbane this year and as we see it he should be able to help us in a number of ways. If he nominates, and is available, we will be picking him."
Hudson, who has played 161 games across eight seasons in the AFL, will arrive at Collingwood on Tuesday before heading to Utah with the team for their annual training camp early next week.
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