Will Minson says he couldn’t accept Collingwood offer before retiring from the game

WILL Minson says he turned down Collingwood because he was unsure whether he could continue to commit to the relentless demands of an AFL career.

Will Minson has decided to end his AFL career. Picture: Michael Klein

RETIRED Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson says he turned down Collingwood because he was unsure whether he could continue to commit to the relentless demands of an AFL career.

Minson, 31, has plans to study abroad and possibly continue his work with indigenous youths after calling time on his 191-game career this week.

The Magpies were keen to secure him in the rookie draft to help mentor their young ruck brigade for next season.

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The 2013 All-Australian ruckman said it was a “really hard decision” to pass on the Magpies’ offer but was buoyed by “the sense of freedom” retirement had already provided.

“I certainly spent a lot of time considering it, but it is such a gruelling game and it demands so much of your body that unless you are 100 per cent committed to the physical and mental demands it is not a game for everyone,” Minson said.

“Ultimately, regardless of what was on offer from Collingwood or anyone else, I needed to make the decision to commit totally or not at all.

“It was really challenging, but now I have opportunities to do things I have never been able to do my whole adult life, so I’m overjoyed with that and can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into it.”

Retired Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson says he couldn’t commit to Collingwood’s role. Picture: Michael Klein

Minson said had no regrets despite playing only two games this season as his teammates surged to a premiership.

“I’m immensely proud of my time at the football club and I don’t begrudge anyone because it was an incredible journey and something I am thankful for,” he said.

“It was fabulous to be part of it this year and see young fellas play great football, win games and go on to be absolute superstars. They are all my friends.

“But only 22 get to represent the club on that day and there’s more that were capable of it. But they did not get that chance and we have to sit and wait and watch and pray they deliver and they did and what a fabulous time it is for the footy club right now.”

He said the Grand Final experience was “bittersweet”.

“I was hopeful of a few mishaps in the car park and maybe I could have got a game on Grand Final day,” he said, laughing.

“That would have been a great way to end my career, obviously, but that wasn’t the case”.

Minson said playing consistent football in 2013, when he was considered the most dominant tap ruckman in the league and finished third in the best-and-fairest award, and three consecutive preliminary finals in 2008-10 were his career highlights.

He also led the Dogs’ VFL team to the flag this year, which he said was “pretty special”.

“I got a lot of satisfaction out of 2013, even though it was tough because we weren’t winning a lot of games of football,” he said.