Ben Hudson’s football journey came full circle after he joined the Brisbane Lions during the trade period.

The now veteran ruckman was a relatively late bloomer in the AFL, playing for the first time with the University of Queensland as a 19 year-old, before going on to win a Premiership - and Best & Fairest award - with local QAFL side Mt Gravatt.

Now, after eight years in the AFL system with both Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs, Hudson is happy to have returned home.

“It’s good to be back home, I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” Hudson said after training on Wednesday.

Hudson, who came out of a short retirement to continue his career with the Lions, hasn’t missed a beat during the pre-season and cuts a leaner figure out on the track.

“It’s nice that you’ve noticed that I’ve lost a bit of weight,” Hudson told the media.

“I think the humidity helps. And just being able to do sessions one after the other has helped a bit as well.”

After being rested from the last week’s trip to Alice Springs, Hudson is expected to return to the Lions’ line-up this week for the historic pre-season match at Maroochydore.

And despite some heavy rainfall on the Sunshine Coast this week, the 33 year-old said the team is prepared to play in any conditions.

“I’m obviously not a weatherman, but I think the sun’s supposed to shine for the next few days,” he said.

“The boys are just looking forward to getting up there and getting some momentum heading into the season.”

Hudson said he had no set expectations as he approached his 9th AFL season, and simply hoped to provide some valuable experience in the Lions’ young ruck division.

“Leuey has had a great couple of years and he’s only going to get better in years to come. We’ve also got Billy (Longer) who’s a big kid and has been a great get for us,” Hudson said.

“Then there’s Charmo, who probably still thinks he can get back onto the rookie list,” he joked.

“But if I can help out in any way, then so be it.”