Will Minson Biography

Will Minson has confirmed his time at the Western Bulldogs has come to an end but he is still undecided on whether he will play on at another club in 2017.

"It's sad to say, to come to the realisation that my time at the Western Bulldogs has come to an end," Minson said in an emotional video at the Bulldogs' best and fairest awards.

"I'm not entirely sure if that's it, if I'm done. I haven't had a chance to really think about it. I'm getting married in four weeks and at some point I'll have to make a decision as to whether I'm interested in playing on again. But at this stage I really don't know the answer to that."

Free agent Will Minson is attracting interest from a growing number of clubs looking to bolster their ruck divisions.

Minson, 31, has fallen out of favour at the Whitten Oval over the past two seasons, playing 12 senior games, including just two in 2016.

"Will wants to get through the VFL season and wait until the Bulldogs' year is finished before he makes any decisions. We'll then sit down with the Bulldogs and get a better understanding of whether things sit there," Minson's manager, Nigel Carmody of TLA Australia, said.

"Will obviously has the option of exploring any opportunities that arise under free agency, but we'll assess things as they unfold."

Will Minson is in doubt for round one of the season after suffering an unexpected hamstring strain.

"It's terrible timing for him, and us, because he's been going pretty well," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

Will Minson says he never lost 'faith' in regaining his spot in the Western Bulldogs’ side despite being out of favour for much of the season.

Minson was recalled for Saturday night's elimination final against Adelaide after Jordan Roughead was ruled out with a finger injury.

"You've always got to keep the faith in footy, that's for sure," Minson said.

"I can't wait (to play), I absolutely can't wait."

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says Will Minson's career at Whitten Oval is secure despite the All Australian ruckman being out of favour for much of the season.

"Every week we consider Will and our ruck situation," Beveridge said.

"All it says is that he's next in line or the one after that at the moment.

"Will's a contracted player into 2016, so he's a required player.

"His long-term future is secure."

Will Minson is back in Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge's good books since his standout performance against Giants' star ruckman Shane Mumford in his return to the senior side.

"We're really happy with the spike in his performance," Beveridge said of Minson.

"He's turned his mind to other dimensions of his game and he's really held his end up."

Will Minson's four-match VFL ban for intentionally making contact with an umpire is thrown out by the VFL Appeals Board.

Minson will now be free to play against Greater Western Sydney this Saturday after receiving a reprimand and a $7,500 fine.

The Appeals Board of Ian Hill (chairman), Rick Lewis and Michael Tanner took just 12 minutes to overturn the Tribunal's decision, with Hill acknowledging that testimony from Minson and Bulldogs president Peter Gordon – both of whom did not give evidence on Tuesday night – had influenced their decision.

"He's 30 years old and the game moves on quicker than any of us would like and he's really struggled to get back into the side," Gordon said to reporters.

"He's got his opportunity and who knows whether that opportunity would have been available in five weeks' time?

"I hope that he makes the most of it and I'm sure that he's determined to."

The VFL has defended the original decision to suspend Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson for four matches after his ban was cut to just a fine by the Appeals Board.

"I think [critics of the decision] forget that the laws of Australian Rules Football … say that deliberate contact to an umpire is a reportable offence and it's got to go to a Tribunal," VFL state league and talent manager John Hook said.

"If this had happened in an AFL game, it wouldn't have gone to a review panel, it would have gone to their Tribunal.

"Tribunals are independent people. They make the decision based on the evidence presented on that particular night.

"So I think there were a lot of ill-informed comments, which was disappointing."

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge hopes player-umpire relations aren't affected following the Will Minson umpire contact saga.

"There should be a strong rapport between players and umpires," said Beveridge.

"I've touched umpires on the shoulder and put my arm around them at different times and I'm sure there's always a place for that and that shouldn't change.

"Whether we need to change the wording in the rules I don't know, but the great thing is everyone will learn from it and hopefully the game is better for it."

Will Minson speaks for the first time since he successfully appealed his suspension for making intentional contact with an umpire, thanking the VFL for "a fair hearing".

"I'd like to thank AFL Victoria and the VFL Tribunal for a fair hearing this week. I'd also like to thank umpire Tom Chrystie for the manner in which he handled himself and I wish him all the best for his umpiring career," Minson said.

"I acknowledge the rules are in place to provide a safe and inclusive working environment for umpires, and also that without them we simply wouldn't have a game. And these rules provide an opportunity for all to participate at every level.

"I'd like to thank the football club for their support throughout this week and the fans alike, and I'm looking forward most of all to getting out and playing football this weekend."

Will Minson has been hit with a four-match ban at the VFL Tribunal for intentionally making contact with an umpire, despite a recommendation from the umpire advocates for a reprimand and financial sanction.

The Bulldogs immediately announced that they would appeal the decision, which would effectively sideline the 30-year-old for five weeks, given the upcoming VFL and AFL byes.

"As we all know umpires are sacrosanct and not to be touched," Tribunal chairman Eddie Power said in handing down the decision.

"We think that four premiership matches are appropriate in the circumstances."

The umpire in question, Thomas Chrystie, described the contact as "low to moderate" in force, and said it pushed him off his line as he moved to signal a shot on goal had been touched.

He said Minson had been intimidating in his language when questioning the umpire on his decision.

"From my point of view the expletives were intimidating and the push sent me off my line," Chrystie told the Tribunal.

"I don't begrudge what happened on the day, that's just the law."

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has been sent a "please explain" letter from AFL Victoria following his call for Will Minson's report for making contact with an umpire to be thrown out.

Meanwhile, Bulldogs president Peter Gordon has also weighed in on the matter, telling Triple M on Monday: "I think I've pushed peas to the side of my plate harder than Will Minson did any pushing yesterday".

Will Minson will face the VFL Tribunal after being red-carded shortly before half-time in Footscray's big win over North Ballarat at Whitten Oval.

He was celebrating after kicking what he believed was a goal, when the field umpire told him it had been touched.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says the incident should be thrown out by the Tribunal.

"Over the course of my career I patted umpires on the back, I talked to them with my hand on their shoulder and there's always a rapport between players and umpires and I think this one just took it the wrong way," Beveridge said.

"As he went past, Will just touched him, really, as he went past. There's nothing in it so I'm not really sure why the reaction was what it was.

"It's really disappointing because Will was terrific up to that point today at VFL level. That obviously changed his day."

Will Minson misses out on selection for the second week in the row but Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge denies that the ruckman is now on the outer at the club.

"He knows as soon as there's an opportunity for him to come back in, we'll definitely consider him," Beveridge said.

"He knows that week to week he is definitely part of the mix, and so he's just trying to put his best foot forward."

Will Minson is dropped from the Bulldogs' side to take on Adelaide after being told by coach Luke Beveridge that he is no longer seen as the team's best ruck option every week.

"Will understands from week-to-week, depending if we're winning that position, it may not be him," Beveridge said.

"The way he sees it, he may have lost [his spot] for this week, but he needs and wants to earn it back.

"This is a week for Will to play at VFL level, and he's dealt with it as you'd expect with the character you'd expect."

After signing a new deal with the Western Bulldogs, Will Minson says he hopes to finish his career as a one-club player while also having a taste of finals football with the club.

"We're trying to build a footy club that's going to be sustainable and have long-term success. Everyone's working towards that, and I hope it comes as soon as possible," Minson said.

"I think I've always wanted to be a one-club player. I don't think there's too many players out there, besides maybe Ben Hudson, who want to be a five-club player.

"I love the footy club. I've been here from age 17, four days after school finished, and I'm looking forward to continuing that."

Will Minson signs new contract with the Western Bulldogs which will keep him at the club until the end of 2016.

"I'm thrilled that I was able to sign – there was absolutely no hesitation," Minson told the Herald Sun.

"It's a terrific Christmas present."

"I wasn't expecting for it to all to be done in a matter of weeks. The club said they were keen to negotiate an extension and I was like, 'Fabulous'."

Ryan Griffen takes out his second consecutive Charles Sutton Medal as the Bulldogs' best and fairest with 273 votes of Tom Liberatore on 242 votes, while ruckman Will Minson with 184 votes came third.

Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson says the AFL should consult the players more before trialling or implementing rule changes.

"It would be nice if there weren't so many rule changes, but the NAB Cup is there to experiment with rules. They've done that in the past," Minson said.

"The players' association will be meeting with the AFL next week to discuss some other rule changes. Ultimately, we'd like to be engaged in the conversation and form part of any decision-making."

The Western Bulldogs say they are confident Will Minson will sign a two-year contract extension with the club.

"He hasn't signed yet but he's been overseas and we put together an offer that went to his management and they were very comfortable with that," Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said.

"I don't think there's any issues; it's just a waiting game."

Ruckman Will Minson signs a new two-year deal with the Western Bulldogs.

"I love it here and support the direction Brendan is taking this group wholeheartedly," Minson said.

"I've built my career at the Western Bulldogs and look forward to being part of the future success this club will undoubtedly have."

Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson remains one of the key players still unsigned, as free agency looms over the AFL.

Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson escapes with a reprimand following an appeal after being seen to apparently stomp on Swan Kieren Jack.

Port's Danyle Pearce says there's more to Will Minson's sledge than was reported in the media.

"I've read the reports that everyone's been writing; you guys haven't written down everything that was said," Pearce said.

"I've read a report, it had half of what was said written down and in the report it was left at that was the only thing and that's not true, it's not the case."

Matthew Primus has thrown his support behind Danyle Pearce who has made a complaint against a comment made by Will Minson directed at Pearce's mother which the AFL will investigate.

"He was really upset, I suppose we got to see during the game. He was pretty angry during the game and after the game he was angry," Primus said.

"It does take courage, you don't do these things lightly, and Daniel certainly felt pretty aggrieved by it all. We fully support him, and I applaud him for standing up for what he believed in."

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson has welcomed the Bulldogs' decision to suspend Will Minson after the ruckman was found to have sledged Danyle Pearce about his mother during a game.

"All players, coaches and officials across our competition are aware that there is no place within our game for comments that are offensive and demeaning towards women," Anderson said.

The Western Bulldogs have suspended ruckman Will Minson for one match over offensive comments to Port Adelaide midfielder Danyle Pearce.

"The club has the highest of expectations when it comes to players' behaviour both on and off the field," Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick said.

"While Will is genuinely remorseful for his actions the club will not tolerate the use of inappropriate and offensive comments, especially in regards to women."

Sharrod Wellingham says Will Minson should have known better than to sledge Danyle Pearce's mother after being forced to apologise to Kane Cornes in 2008.

There's going to be some sledging and there's going to be some stuff said that maybe you don't really want to say," Wellingham said.

"It can become quite blurry those lines, but he's (Minson) experienced it in the past and I think that he probably should have learned his lesson. It's just got to come down to respect between players."

Power midfielder Danyle Pearce says Will Minson's comments about his mother could not and will not be tolerated.

"The important thing for me is that Will understands that this is not a minor matter that can be brushed under the carpet," Pearce said.

"It is a very big thing and insulting a player's family is just not acceptable. He needs to know there is a line that you shouldn't even contemplate crossing.

"Will has apologised, but I don't need that to move on. His actions from here will mean far more than words."

A repentant Will Minson has issued an unreserved apology to Port Adelaide's Danyle Pearce over his offensive slur.

"The last 24 hours have been an extremely stressful period for myself and, no doubt, unnecessarily stressful for Danyle Pearce and his family and the Port Adelaide Football Club, and I have absolutely no intention of putting anyone through that sort of stress or attention ever again," he said.

"I've certainly learnt from this experience."

The AFL is investigating an incident in which Bulldog Will Minson allegedly made an offensive comment about Danyle Pearce's mother.

"Things happen on the footy field but there's times when you go a little bit too far and I guess that's one of those situations," Pearce's teammate Brad Ebert said.

"You always look at family, race and religion as three of the big things that you stay clear of, and I guess that's just happened."

Will Minson says young Bulldog Tom Campbell could make an impact in the club's ruck department this season.

"I saw Tom Campbell kick a goal from 80 [metres] into the wind off one step the other week in a practice match and that got a few eyes going," Minson said.

"I can't say I've kicked too many into the northerly hear at the Whitten Oval, and he did that on a few occasions. So he's an exciting prospect."

Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson travels to India during the pre-season as part of his involvement with the Red Dust Role Models non-profit program.

"I'd love to in four or five years time when footy's over, go into Mumbai, try and learn Hindi and work in that environment," he said.

"It's a unique part of the world, it's the fastest growing nation in the world and one of the largest, it's got an emerging economy and I think there's a lot of interesting stuff going on."

Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson is aiming for a big year after a strong pre-season and a revitalising overseas holiday.

"Last year taught me the value of a good pre-season. It was the first one I'd missed in my entire career, and you can't just get out there and make it happen. You have to have the tickets in the bank," Minson said.

"My pre-season prior to Christmas was terrific and I haven't missed a session."

Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson believes the fight for spots in the senior side has been created by emerging youngsters.

"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."

Bulldog Will Minson apologizes to Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes for a sledge made during their game regarding Cornes' son.

Feeling remorse for his comments, Minson left an apologetic message for Cornes after the game.

Cornes is understood to have contacted Bulldogs' football operations manager yesterday to accept the apology without taking the matter any further.

Cornes was a late arrival to Darwin after the delivery of his second second son. It is believed Minson's sledge was directed at Cornes' first son who is suffering from a heart condition.

"We've spoken to Will and he was remorseful about saying anything and has tried to make contact with Kane. Subsequently, I have spoken to Kane as well, and the Port Adelaide Football Club and they were accepting of his apology and we're keen just to get on with it," Fantasia said.

Kane Cornes confirms his acceptance of Minson's apology.

"I've been really happy with the way both clubs have handled it and I've accepted Will's apology. I'm just looking forward to moving on and putting it all behind me," Cornes said.