This is the year Minson must take some responsibility and start delivering as the number one ruckman for the Dogs. Over the years he has shown us plenty of potential and we have used excuses that he is a big man and needs to mature, Huddo is better than him etc etc. However, in 2012 he is now the senior ruckman and must lead by example and start delivering consistently.
Can he be our number one ruckman going forward?
Has he got the skill to play this role in the modern era - ie not just a tap ruckman.
This is the year Minson must take some responsibility and start delivering as the number one ruckman for the Dogs. Over the years he has shown us plenty of potential and we have used excuses that he is a big man and needs to mature, Huddo is better than him etc etc. However, in 2012 he is now the senior ruckman and must lead by example and start delivering consistently.
Can he be our number one ruckman going forward?
Has he got the skill to play this role in the modern era - ie not just a tap ruckman.
Wilberforce, Roughy, Ayce, Cambell - not a bad collection of young upcoming rucks.
I think he does fine at the actual ruck contests, I want to see him take more marks around the ground. That is his weakness and for a ruck, its a big one.
13-02-2012, 06:23 PM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by bornadog
This is the year Minson must take some responsibility and start delivering as the number one ruckman for the Dogs. Over the years he has shown us plenty of potential and we have used excuses that he is a big man and needs to mature, Huddo is better than him etc etc. However, in 2012 he is now the senior ruckman and must lead by example and start delivering consistently.
Can he be our number one ruckman going forward?
Has he got the skill to play this role in the modern era - ie not just a tap ruckman.
sorry to take this off topic slightly - but wow the thing that jumps out at me was that he was pick 20 in the 2002 draft.. What a stinker of a draft that was for us and for most clubs I suppose.
In the end he is a top 20 draft pick, 10 years of development already (that is one hell of an investment by the club) we should be looking for dividends now. It is true that ruckmen do take a long time - late twenties are usually when they hit their peak, real make or break year, will really need to dominate centre bounces and around the ground to make up for lack of other strings to his bow (e.g. semi-mobile forward)...
13-02-2012, 06:40 PM
ratsmac
Re: Will Minson - Its time
These were my exact thoughts this time last year but with Hudson still around. Fingers crossed he steps up but I wont be holding my breath.
13-02-2012, 06:49 PM
SonofScray
Re: Will Minson - Its time
I really rate Will. Despite the fact he hasn't been a superstar under Eade I think he has shown some very good signs. Last year in the twos and clearly out of favour he showed some real leadership. Didn't sook, or let his attitude slip. He just worked harder.
When given time and responsibility he has been OK. At times he has been very good. Every now and then he'll put in an absolute shocker. He is no spud though. I think he will be a better performer under the new coach than under a guy who thought it would be clever to call him 'the dumbest smart bloke' going around or whatever it was.
13-02-2012, 06:53 PM
Remi Moses
Re: Will Minson - Its time
No excuses for Will Minson now.
If he doesn't step up now he never will.
13-02-2012, 06:54 PM
Nuggety Back Pocket
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Will has emerged as our most experienced ruckman after surviving narrowly being traded at the end of 2010. BMcC sees him starting as first ruck. I would like to think that new midfield coach Stephen King can work on his rucking technique. Will has a big tank and Leon Cameron for one believes he is better suited with the responsibility of first ruck. This is really his make or break year. You can never doubt his effort and I for one hopes that the new Will Minson will hold down this vital role that will see us getting first use out of the centre and around the ground.
13-02-2012, 07:18 PM
Mitcha
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by stefoid
I think he does fine at the actual ruck contests, I want to see him take more marks around the ground. That is his weakness and for a ruck, its a big one.
It's probably fair to say finding the footy around the ground wasn't one of Huddo's great strengths. Will plays his best footy in the ruck and I do agree that he really needs to accept that responsibility now and make the position his own. looking forward to the younger developing ruckman keeping Will honest.
13-02-2012, 07:39 PM
Greystache
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Will's an honest trier, has a good attitude, and now has an opportunity to really make his mark as number one ruckman. My concern with him is he just doesn't seem to be improving, to me he isn't any better now than he was in 2008. If he can step up this year with the added responsibility, great, we really need him to, but if he cant then we have to accept he is what he is and start to look at other options.
13-02-2012, 08:46 PM
Go_Dogs
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Agree with your post BAD - massive year for Will. I'm still fairly hopeful about him becoming a (more) consistent contributor and this year is really his best opportunity to do so. As Greystache mentions, if he can't improve this year he might never quite get there, but he appears to be our best option perhaps even over the next 2 years unless one of our other big guys knocks the door down.
As an aside, there was a very good article in the Advertiser on Saturday (can't seem to find it online) about Will regarding all the work he does for the community and especially with kids both here and overseas.
13-02-2012, 08:49 PM
ledge
Re: Will Minson - Its time
New rules might make it harder for Will
13-02-2012, 08:50 PM
chef
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Hope he proves me wrong, but I don't think he has the talent to hold down the number 1 ruck role.
13-02-2012, 09:23 PM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by ledge
New rules might make it harder for Will
What new rules?
13-02-2012, 09:29 PM
Bulldog Joe
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Will has always done pretty well when he has played as the ruckman.
With Huddo around he was expected to be a forward more and although he gave a contest he was the one sacrificed because Huddo could not provide the same contest as a forward.
While I concede that Hudson was a very good clearance player, Will was/is more likely to give advantage from his ruckwork alone.
13-02-2012, 09:51 PM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
I have a feeling (nothing else to base it on) that he will really take some significant steps forward this season as our first ruck. No Huddo to steal his limelight and it was clear that Will fell out of favour with Rocket last year - i lost count at the number of times that Will was BOG in the VFL!
He is aggressive (sometimes a bit too aggressive), can run and he has the years behind him to hopefully be able to cut it as a first ruck. Yes, i would like to see him take more marks around the ground, but if he just makes a contest and then gets his big frame in the way to open things up for our mids, then i dont think we will mind how many marks he takes.
Agree that his time is now and lets hope that he shows us that the 10 year investment from the club was worth it!
If he does this, then it allows Roughie to be played more as a forward who pinch hits in the ruck, which is how i would prefer things to pan out! We dont want to be relying on Roughie as our first ruck this early on in his career.
13-02-2012, 09:51 PM
ledge
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chops
What new rules?
Apparently you cant jostle for position anymore in the ruck, you can only meet once ball is out of umpires hand, this includes throw ins.
What it means is blokes like Hudson are a dead breed, Natanui and big spring ruckman will now take over.
13-02-2012, 10:02 PM
divvydan
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by ledge
Apparently you cant jostle for position anymore in the ruck, you can only meet once ball is out of umpires hand, this includes throw ins.
What it means is blokes like Hudson are a dead breed, Natanui and big spring ruckman will now take over.
That's something being trialled in the NAB Cup this year, won't be in the proper season.
13-02-2012, 10:09 PM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by divvydan
That's something being trialled in the NAB Cup this year, won't be in the proper season.
That's what I thought. Nab cup is a waste of time.
14-02-2012, 10:39 AM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Personally, I have a lot of time for Wil, in the hope that "these big blokes take some time to develop". In all honesty, if he doesn't fire this year being elevated to our most senior ruckman, I'm not sure he ever will. Great opportunity for him to prove all the doubters wrong! ;)
14-02-2012, 11:47 AM
Mofra
Re: Will Minson - Its time
He hasn't had a significant run in the past few seasons at his best position on the ground - no 1 ruck. He's aggressive and if he uses his body to create space at the contests for our mids, he's running at par.
14-02-2012, 12:02 PM
Murphy'sLore
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Come on, Wilbur -- seize the day. This is your time to shine!
14-02-2012, 12:47 PM
DragzLS1
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Think he will do fine is solid and very strong plus has a great attitude. After a few rounds should see him start to improve from last year I think but we do have a few young up and coming rucks which is a positive.
14-02-2012, 12:51 PM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
I'm hearing that Will has had 10 years development, but the last 3 or 4 hampered by Huddo being ahead of him in his best position (1st ruck) and the sub rule killing off the 2nd ruck who doesn't have another string to his bow.
Does this mean that Huddo probably played a couple of years too long for us? He was a wonderful servant, and was integral to our prelim teams, but Minson should probably have played more last year, for example, especially once we knew we were out of the flag race.
I dunno, just thinking of the "what if"s.
14-02-2012, 01:22 PM
Bulldog4life
Re: Will Minson - Its time
I like Will as a player and competitor. Really hope that this year he shines.
14-02-2012, 01:29 PM
immortalmike
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lantern
I'm hearing that Will has had 10 years development, but the last 3 or 4 hampered by Huddo being ahead of him in his best position (1st ruck) and the sub rule killing off the 2nd ruck who doesn't have another string to his bow.
Does this mean that Huddo probably played a couple of years too long for us? He was a wonderful servant, and was integral to our prelim teams, but Minson should probably have played more last year, for example, especially once we knew we were out of the flag race.
I dunno, just thinking of the "what if"s.
Huddo was in the top 4-5 ruckmen in 2010 he deserved another year, especially considering our internal expectations at the start of last year. Minson was given plenty of chances last year to prove he was better than Huddo, he blew all but one (against Cameron Wood). Even when Williams took over Roughead was the preferred ruck. Wil is solid but the best we can hope for this year is that he breaks even and our midfield grunt is enough to win the clearances.
14-02-2012, 01:58 PM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
I like Will. He seems like a good, solid bloke.
I also think he's not up to it. But I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and wait and see…
14-02-2012, 03:38 PM
bornadog
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by teddy54
He is aggressive (sometimes a bit too aggressive),
I think he played his best footy when he was aggressive, he was so pumped up. Yes gave away some free kicks, but hey scared the bejesus out of the opposition. He needs to be aggressive at the footy and not the man.
One thing about Will, he will give you 120%.
14-02-2012, 03:47 PM
I'm Not Bitter Anymore!
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Has a lot of frees paid against him like that "blocking' one aginat Harry O'Brien. Umps don't seem to like him.
14-02-2012, 03:52 PM
bornadog
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by Im Not Bitter
Has a lot of frees paid against
Career average is less than two per game.
14-02-2012, 04:58 PM
always right
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by bornadog
I think he played his best footy when he was aggressive, he was so pumped up. Yes gave away some free kicks, but hey scared the bejesus out of the opposition. He needs to be aggressive at the footy and not the man.
One thing about Will, he will give you 120%.
I remember this one well. He had Thomas cold and had the opportunity to earn a free kick. At the very least he could have really hurt Thomas. In the end he did neither.
Will will give you "100%" and I like him....but he needs to get maximum value from his posessions as he doesn't get a lot of them. Fortunately his disposal is generally very effective...so he can gather more of them he could be a solid ruckman.
I think the strength of our ruck must be built on our two ruckmen working in tandem as individually none of them look like being stars.
14-02-2012, 05:41 PM
LostDoggy
Re: Will Minson - Its time
If he is gonna give away frees like that should have made Thomas not get up.
14-02-2012, 10:21 PM
Sockeye Salmon
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Everyone was under instructions that game to hurt Thomas at every opportunity.
15-02-2012, 10:26 AM
Mofra
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by bornadog
I think he played his best footy when he was aggressive, he was so pumped up. Yes gave away some free kicks, but hey scared the bejesus out of the opposition.
He's done pretty well with free kicks in recent times - I think he's one player who's attitude cannot be faulted, especially the way he carried himself last year when spending long periods of time at Willy.
15-02-2012, 11:23 AM
SlimPickens
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by bornadog
I think he played his best footy when he was aggressive, he was so pumped up. Yes gave away some free kicks, but hey scared the bejesus out of the opposition. He needs to be aggressive at the footy and not the man.
One thing about Will, he will give you 120%.
Is this an endorsement for Will or a rebuttal? This sort of play somes up Will pretty well, giving away a fee kick with aggression that isn't effective.
I agree with you that he needs to play with aggression to be at his best, but making that aggression "count" much like Huddo did is what has held Will back IMO. From what i've seen in the preseason so far i think Will is in trouble. I hope i'm wrong because this year is a huge opportunity for him.
I also think the new rule trials (NAB cup) will frustrate Will incredibly, as the wrestle for the ball around the contest is one of his strengths.
15-02-2012, 03:45 PM
bornadog
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by SlimPickens
Is this an endorsement for Will or a rebuttal? This sort of play somes up Will pretty well, giving away a fee kick with aggression that isn't effective.
I agree with you that he needs to play with aggression to be at his best, but making that aggression "count" much like Huddo did is what has held Will back IMO. From what i've seen in the preseason so far i think Will is in trouble. I hope i'm wrong because this year is a huge opportunity for him.
I also think the new rule trials (NAB cup) will frustrate Will incredibly, as the wrestle for the ball around the contest is one of his strengths.
You need to look at that you-tube highlight in a different way. Thomas was about to run off and put Collingwood into attack. Will tackled him and stopped the flow, which gave the players plenty of time up field to man up.
15-02-2012, 04:42 PM
SlimPickens
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by bornadog
You need to look at that you-tube highlight in a different way. Thomas was about to run off and put Collingwood into attack. Will tackled him and stopped the flow, which gave the players plenty of time up field to man up.
That could very well could be the case, but he could have also rotated in the tackle, not given away the free kick and at worse have it result in a ball up.
Thomas was a lame duck in that incident, Will just needed to use a bit of sense and we would have got a better result.
15-02-2012, 04:51 PM
immortalmike
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by SlimPickens
That could very well could be the case, but he could have also rotated in the tackle, not given away the free kick and at worse have it result in a ball up.
Thomas was a lame duck in that incident, Will just needed to use a bit of sense and we would have got a better result.
Or he could have not put in the 100% effort to chase in the first place...
He is a big man and it is very hard to change momentum when you're going full pace.
15-02-2012, 04:55 PM
SlimPickens
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by theimmortalmike
Or he could have not put in the 100% effort to chase in the first place...
He is a big man and it is very hard to change momentum when you're going full pace.
what like rolling a bloke who is 25kg lighter than him and standing still...give me a spell
15-02-2012, 05:17 PM
DragzLS1
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Thomas was clearly taking off and took a step so imo that should not have even been a free kick he took a step to play on then big Wil crunched him. Lets just look forward to the season and hope we see improvements in his game which I think we will.
15-02-2012, 06:11 PM
chef
Re: Will Minson - Its time
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sockeye Salmon
Everyone was under instructions that game to hurt Thomas at every opportunity.