WESTERN Bulldogs 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.

However, the 2013 All Australian has been a consistent performer in Footscray's strong VFL team this season.

He has averaged 31 hit-outs and four marks in 19 VFL matches this season, and kicked 13 goals.



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Minson's pedigree and continued durability – he has not missed a game since a hamstring injury sidelined him for the opening two weeks of 2016 – has him on the radar of clubs both inside and outside Victoria.

Minson's manager, Nigel Carmody of TLA Australia, told AFL.com.au his client was keen to play on in 2017 but would not consider his future until after the Bulldogs' finals campaign is over.

"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," Carmody said.

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

Clubs in the market for ruckmen this year include the Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast, Richmond, Collingwood and North Melbourne.

Minson's decision will likely come down to which club can offer him the most senior opportunities.

With many teams playing just one specialist ruckman in recent years, support ruckmen can spend extended time in the state leagues if the No.1 big man has a run of good health and form.

Minson is an unrestricted free agent so is free to move to the club of his choice once the free agency period opens on October 7.

The ruckman will be a key player for Footscray in Sunday's VFL Grand Final against the Casey Scorpions.

Recruited from SANFL club Norwood with pick No.20 in the 2002 national draft, Minson has played 191 games for the Bulldogs, and finished third in the club's 2013 best and fairest award.