Guernsey Number: 27

Age: 27

Career Games: 136

Career Goals: 66

Debut: 2004

Games: 21

Goals: 4

Disposals: 292 (13.9)

Marks: 57 (2.7)

Tackles: 67 (3.2)

Assuming the number one ruck role at the Western Bulldogs, Will Minson flourished with the increased responsibility. The 27-year-old topped the league in hitouts in 2012, and produced his best season since being recruited to the Club in 2002.

Watch Will Minson's 'Don't Argue' against Collingwood during the Bulldogs NAB Cup campaign on the media player above.

Minson’s season averages increased in a number of key areas including disposals (+1.6), clearances (+1.1) and tackles (+0.8) but the most substantial rise was in hitouts (+13.2). This season’s efforts in fact indicate that the big man had double the number of hitouts per game (31.8) than his career average (15.9). He was also ranked fourth in the league in hitouts to advantage (161) showing that not only is he winning the ruck duel but giving the midfielders the best clearance opportunities. 

Round three against St Kilda was when Minson stamped his authority on the season. Amassing 28 hitouts, Minson won the ruck duties against Saint Ben McEvoy (18) on the day - even with the assistance of Rhys Stanley (8). The Bulldog also had 20 disposals and an impressive nine clearances. He finished the day with four one percenters, three inside 50s and two marks. 

Pre-Season Focus: 

Continuing to learn the craft of the fast evolving ruck position, Minson will look to focus on how he can be more damaging around the ground. Building on his engine will allow him to spread harder to receive the ball and more one-one-one marking will provide Minson with the confidence to take more contested marks around the ground.

View Will Minson's player profile and season statistics.