Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

[Bornadog]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

He finishes his career having played 191 games and as a 2013 All-Australian.

And a dedicated one club player that took it on the chin when his days were numbered.

Good Luck Will.

[Twodogs]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

And a dedicated one club player that took it on the chin when his days were numbered.

Good Luck Will.

A class act. He must have known last year was his last but did he cruise through it? No way he put his head down and his arse up and drove Footscray to a VFL premiership.

It would have been simple for him to meander through the year and hold his hand out for his pay.

[Rocco Jones]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

Will clearly didn't fit into Bevo's ruck plans but the way he dealt with playing in the VFL for two years was brilliant.

At times he was forced to spend most of his time forward to allow others development time in the ruck and he worked his guts out. He was protective of the younger kids, what an amazing security guard he was. The way he stood up for Jong in the VFL GF was evidence of this.

All class Will.

[westdog54]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

My kids got to meet Will and have photos with him at the Moorabool Literacy Trail this year. He's attended the last few years and been very generous with his time.

'Big Will' instantly became their favourite player. They were devastated when I told them he wouldn't be playing for the Bulldogs anymore.

I had trouble explaining to them the concept of why there was a Footscray Team as well as the Western Bulldogs. Initially I told them that it was for the players who weren't quite ready to play for the Bulldogs, and had to do some more learning.

I had to qualify that a bit with Will. I told them that he was getting a bit old to play for the Bulldogs, but he was helping the young players learn to play so that they could play for the Bulldogs one day too. They seemed to accept that.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

Towards the end of a preseason training session, Will ran around a witches hat to my clapping and turned his face to give me a puffed, labouring yet bemused acknowledgement before soldiering on. Big news for no-body but me. I felt like I could see into his considerable soul.

[AndrewP6]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

Went to a game back in that 08-10 run we had. Will wasn't playing. I got in the lift, and there he was, suited up, acting very much like a lift attendant! Had a brief chat, and asked him when he'd be back in action, he diplomatically replied "When the coach says so".

[Bulldog Revolution]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

Thanks to Wil - worked hard, got the best out of himself and was a good team man

Was a beast in his All-Aus year - set the tone in the centre bounces

[Twodogs]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

My kids got to meet Will and have photos with him at the Moorabool Literacy Trail this year. He's attended the last few years and been very generous with his time.

'Big Will' instantly became their favourite player. They were devastated when I told them he wouldn't be playing for the Bulldogs anymore.

I had trouble explaining to them the concept of why there was a Footscray Team as well as the Western Bulldogs. Initially I told them that it was for the players who weren't quite ready to play for the Bulldogs, and had to do some more learning.

I had to qualify that a bit with Will. I told them that he was getting a bit old to play for the Bulldogs, but he was helping the young players learn to play so that they could play for the Bulldogs one day too. They seemed to accept that.

It's kind of like Kinder I guess, or cubs.


At the start of the preseason 2014-15 the players were having a kick and the ball went over the fence and onto the terraces at the Geelong road end. Anyway will goes to get it and instead of climbing over the fence (safely) like a normal person would he did a handstand from the grass and vaulted over the fence and landed on his feet on the gravel of the terrace while we clapped like lunatics.

It was an impressive if fairly reckless feat.

[1eyedog]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

I spoke to Will during finals training this year. Characteristically said he won't be at the club next year because the money they're paying Boydy and the Bont means they can't afford him anymore.

[Twodogs]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

I spoke to Will during finals training this year. Characteristically said he won't be at the club next year because the money they're paying Boydy and the Bont means they can't afford him anymore.

Don't tell Damien Barrett.

[KT31]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

I spoke to Will during finals training this year. Characteristically said he won't be at the club next year because the money they're paying Boydy and the Bont means they can't afford him anymore.

I think he was having a lend of you.

[KT31]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

Highlight package of the big fella from from Als Highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XAKt9JuUCE

[comrade]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

It was nice being able to send him off in style during the VFL GF presentations. His bow to the crowd was very well received.

His farewell video at the B&F choked me up a tad, too. We had a good one with big Will.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

A very intelligent guy with high intellect, a great education, elite sports and AFLPA experience and money behind him. I think he's got a very promising future for himself and family after he enjoys the freedom of retirement. He's worked hard for it, put up with a fair bit a long the way and always protected his teammates and especially the last two years held himself with a quiet dignity that many in the same boat don't display. A nearly 200 game, one club, player who reached All Australian status is a wonderful achievement. Whilst we will all have different memories, my favourite memory was his long range goal to draw against Richmond after Lake faked an injury to go off. More recently, in our clincher against Sydney in Sydney he kicked another vital long range goal after a 50m penalty. A goal crucial to us beating Sydney in Sydney. Who knows, maybe that win gave us that extra bit of confidence heading into the Grand Final and in his own way contributed to this marvellous premiership. The greatest accolade is on my nans wall she at the top has a photo of EJ. Under that, a signed Hawk photo. On the fridge, a photo with her and Wilbur. That's rare company Wilbur, and you've earned it.

[EasternWest]

Re: Goodbye Will Minson and thank you big fella

I spoke to Will during finals training this year. Characteristically said he won't be at the club next year because the money they're paying Boydy and the Bont means they can't afford him anymore.

That's champagne stuff from the big guy.