NEW Norfolk born and raised Peter Hudson, the Tasmanian considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, returns to his home state and home town at the end of this month.

He’ll be bringing with him a just-published biography and an opportunity for those in the Derwent Valley to celebrate his journey to what is often called ‘football genius.’

Huddo, as he’s known to most, will come to New Norfolk in the late afternoon of April 29 after a book signing event at Petrarch’s Bookshop in Launceston.

He’s expected to visit the Hudson family home and the famous Boyer Oval, before arriving at Arthur Square, and the brilliant Gillie and Marc bronze sculpture dedicated a year ago in the town’s Arthur Square.

Among those organisers hope to see is Trevor Leo, an early mentor to the young Hudson and a hugely influential captain and coach of the New Norfolk team (and representative of the Hobart and state teams as well.)

Leo, now 85, was a mathematician by training and went on to a successful career as the head of Tasmania’s Department of Education.

Hudson will be available to sign copies of the book,A Football Genius, from author Dan Eddy.

The biography tells Hudson’s story through his own words and those of his family, friends, teammates, coaches – along with his opponents – and many more.

“Peter is eager to return to his home state to celebrate the launch of his biography with all the people who helped him along his journey,” Eddy said.
“We look forward to seeing his friends and fans where it all began, in New Norfolk.”

From the record books: At a senior level, in his No 26 long sleeved jersey, Hudson’s seven year career took him from New Norfolk to the Hawthorn team, from playing at state level to earning plaudits as a ‘football legend’ and more than once, a ‘genius.’

He was certainly blessed with one of the greatest goal kicking gifts that Australian Rules football has ever seen. Between 1967 and 1974, Hudson wrote – and rewrote – the game’s record books.

Here are just some of them that still stand today: He kicked more than 100 goals in five separate seasons, and is one of only two men to have kicked 150 goals in a season.

In 129 games in Hawthorn colours, Hudson averaged 5.64 goals per game, a League record which may never be broken.

Over 356 matches, he was scoreless only five times. He kicked 2092 goals. (Looking at you, Lance Franklin).