Finishing a career best third in the Western Bulldogs’ best and fairest count on Wednesday night, the 28 year-old ruckman told BulldogsTV that the honour of taking home the Gary Dempsey Medal will take a while to settle in.
“[I’m] still a little bit taken back by it, but likewise really humbled by it,” Minson said.
“I’m very excited about this award, I’ve never finished inside the top 10 before and to finish third tonight is really quite significant.”
In a breakout season that saw Minson lead the AFL for hitouts and receive inclusion in the 40-man All Australian squad, the 158-gamer paid tribute to senior coach Brendan McCartney and assistant coach Steven King for their roles in his on-going development.
“It’s great to have a ruckman [in Steven King] as a coach, and someone who understands the nuances of being a ruckman.
“I think that certainly helps to have one in the coaches box instead of on the bench as an assistant.”
After a testing 2012 season, Minson is confident the club has emerged from 2013 as a stronger, more cohesive unit on-field, resolute on the direction it is heading in.
“Being one of the older guys that’s been around when we we’ve won footy more often than not, last year was a really tough year.,” Minson said.
“Macca’s just so firm in his belief of the direction the club is going, and I think that’s come out in the second half of this season and I’m really starting to see what Macca’s trying to build at the footy club.”
Minson was also quick to acknowledge the counsel of his first ruck coach, and Western Bulldogs hall of famer, Scott Wynd, as another pillar of support throughout his impressive season.
“He’s been great, just someone I can talk to and talk about the game that’s outside the footy club.”
Despite his impressive year, Minson admits he still has areas of his craft to hone, one in particular is the marking ability of the namesake after whom his award last night was named.
