FOR SO long, Max Hudghton has been the heart and soul of the St Kilda backline. So it is hard to believe that he was almost not part of the unbeaten 2009 campaign.

But he says he gave consideration to not turning up for his 13th AFL season.

"At about round 15 or round 16 I was still undecided last year," he told saints.com.au.

"I had a sit-down with my wife, family and Rossy (Lyon). I love footy, I love competing, I love getting out there and being part of a team so I was really keen to play on last year and obviously I thought I had a pretty solid year.

"Whether my career ends this year or next year it is not a decision that is being made by myself or the footy club at this stage. It’s in the back of your mind but we’re really concentrating on the time right now rather than any other time."

Even after deciding to forge on, Hudghton has still had to fight to get a game.

An injury to his calf in the final week of the NAB Challenge series meant he had to come back through VFL side Sandringham and didn’t get a senior spot until round 11.

Three weeks later he injured his ankle and spent another three weeks on the sidelines.

Click here to read the full story with Max Hudghton.