Will Minson has officially called time on his 191-game career.

The 31-year-old said the ‘sense of freedom’ that he has felt since the season ended helped him make his decision to hang up the boots.

“It was really challenging, but now I have opportunities to do things I have never been able to do my whole adult life, so I’m overjoyed with that and can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into it,” Minson told the Herald Sun.

“I certainly spent a lot of time considering it, but it is such a gruelling game and it demands so much of your body that unless you are 100 per cent committed to the physical and mental demands it is not a game for everyone.”

“Ultimately, regardless of what was on offer from Collingwood or anyone else, I needed to make the decision to commit totally or not at all.

Minson was taken at pick 20 in the 2002 National Draft and went on to play 13-seasons at Whitten Oval, earning All-Australian selection in 2013 and was a member of Footscray’s 2016 VFL premiership team.

The beloved ruckman was farewelled by the Bulldogs faithful at this year’s Charles Sutton Medal count, and though it was hard to say goodbye he said it was a special time to be at the football Club.

“It was fabulous to be part of it this year and see young fellas play great football, win games and go on to be absolute superstars. They are all my friends.

“I’m immensely proud of my time at the football club and I don’t begrudge anyone because it was an incredible journey and something I am thankful for.”