Selected at pick 15 in the 1996 AFL Draft, Hudghton was a debutant who made his name in the St Kilda Football Club's 1997 season.
Hudghton played in 14 of 22 matches in the 1997 AFL Premiership Season home and away rounds in which St Kilda Football Club qualified in first position for the 1997 AFL Finals Series, winning the club's 2nd Minor Premiership and 1st McClelland Trophy.
His defensive skills were an important part of the St Kilda team over his career.
[citation needed] Of the regular fullbacks in 2006, Hudghton conceded fewest goals.
In 2008, Hudghton shut down key players such as Matthew Lloyd, Warren Tredrea, Russell Robertson, Brendan Fevola, Barry Hall and Lance Franklin in the home and away season.