One the eve of Will Minson’s 150^th career game, Senior Coach Brendan McCartney says the 28-year-old has not only taken his game to the next level but has greatly influenced the improvement in those around him.

The league’s dominant tap ruckman boasts 38 more hitouts than any other player in the competition this season and has emerged a key player in the Dogs’ ability to win clearances this season.

McCartney, however, said Minson’s growth has had an even greater impact on the rise of his fellow teammates, in particular Ryan Griffen and Tom Liberatore.

“He’s steadily built through last year and he’s had a fantastic year this year,” McCartney said.

“The challenge for us is to get a bit more benefit from his great work and that is happening little bit by little bit.

“You can see some really good, young midfielders developing underneath him, there’s no doubt that a big part of Ryan’s great season has been due to Will.”

While Griffen has established his name in the top tier of midfielders this season, third year recruit Liberatore has become the competition’s leading clearance winner – helped in part by Minson’s authority in the ruck.

The impact of Minson’s dominance in and around the stoppages is further emphasised by the Club ranked third in clearances and first in centre clearances this year – in comparison to ninth in 2011 and 2012. 

“It’s probably more advanced, our stoppage and our clearance work than other areas of our game and a lot of that is due to Will,” he said.

“His best games this year have been played when he’s done the basics of the game really well and that is when he plays his best footy.”

Minson is poised to line up for his 150^th senior game against the GWS Giants on Saturday in career best form, averaging more than 41 hitouts and four clearances per game.