Boyd said his teammate has thrived on first ruck duties over the past two seasons and has stepped up as a leader around the Club.
“I honestly, and this is not being biased, I think [Minson] is the best ruckman in the game at the moment,” Boyd said.
“I get to see the work that he does each week but he’s been outstanding for us so far this year and without Will I think we might have had a few worse results.
“He’s been unbelievable and he really has stepped up and taken control of the team as a real leader around the place.
“It’s taken a couple of years, but I think he had a fantastic year last year as well and probably got overlooked for that All Australian squad last year - he’s taken his game to a new level over the last two years.”
Minson had 46 hitouts against St Kilda on Saturday, ten more than the Saint’s Tom Hickey and Ben McEvoy combined – while also contributing three clearances, two tackles, three one percenters and a goal assist.
Boyd was also impressed by debutant Nathan Hrovat, the Bulldogs’ third first round draft pick to be blooded in the senior side this year.
The 18-year-old was influential on debut, adding pace and composure across the ground -including kicking an early goal.
“I really liked what he did for us [against St Kilda],” he said.
“An 18-year-old with that sort of composure in his first game was fantastic.”
“His ball movement was really critical to us late in that game and even probably late in the first half he got his hands on the ball a little bit which helped us control the game.”
