WESTERN Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson believes the depth at Whitten Oval has reached an impressive high, leaving players to fight for positions in the senior line up.

Minson, 24, said emerging players like midfielder Liam Picken, who has played two games since his recent elevation from the rookie list, have influenced healthy competition between teammates.

"There's a lot of players playing well in the reserves that aren't getting an opportunity in the seniors but their time will come," he said.

"I think it's a good way to be at a footy club."

Minson also said the Dogs' big man stocks were improving as well, given the inroads made by young forward Jarrad Grant and the fitness of ruckman Wayde Skipper.

"I know I've fought for positions many times. You need to play well every week because a strong side has got good players in the ranks and we've got a lot of them that are all fighting for the spot," he said.

"There's also a lot of tall young guys that are playing well at the moment and are keen to get in the side, which is good."

Minson will face Dean Cox, one of the league's premier ruckmen, when the Dogs meet West Coast on Sunday.

He hopes the four-time All Australian won't be as prolific a ball-winner this time around.

"He's very different in that he tries to play as another onballer and likes to get a lot of possessions, and he works hard defensively to get those possessions," Minson said.

"He's different to other ruckmen that like to run forward and kick some goals. He does still kick goals when he's up in the forward line but he's got a more of a defensive mindset."

Minson said he would take heart from the brief moment of success Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney had in round six last year, when he found himself in the centre circle opposed to Cox.

"He's a terrific ruckman. He's been in form for a couple of years and I always enjoy playing against the good players," he said of Cox.

"I always remember that tap that Coons (Cooney) won last year in the centre bounce when he ran up there and contested.

"I figured if Coons can win a centre-bounce tap, there's good hope for me."