WILL Minson says he never lost 'faith' in regaining his spot in the Western Bulldogs’ side despite being out of favour for much of the season.
The 30-year-old has been recalled for Saturday night's elimination final against Adelaide after Jordan Roughead was ruled out with a finger injury.
It will be the 2013 All Australian ruckman's first senior appearance since the Bulldogs' round 15 win over Gold Coast.
Match preview: Second elimination final, Western Bulldogs v Adelaide
"You've always got to keep the faith in footy, that's for sure," Minson told reporters after being doorstopped outside Whitten Oval
"I can't wait (to play), I absolutely can't wait."
Bulldogs assistant coach Steven King dispelled talk it was a risk recalling Minson for the massive task of curtailing Crows' star bigman Sam Jacobs.
"We've got complete confidence in Will in this type of game (and) he's going to be really important for us," King said
"Will's got finals experience and he's been playing some really good footy in the VFL.
"We think he's a really good match up for Sam Jacobs and we know he's going to give us a great contest."
King can relate to Minson's struggles because he was in a similar position at Geelong in the Cats' 2007 premiership year.
He played only five home and away games that season before being catapulted into the Grand Final team at the expense of Mark Blake.
King's advice to Minson was simple.
"(I said) even if you haven't had a great year or it's been a frustrating year, it can always end up pretty well," King said.
"You've just got to hang in there and play good footy, train well and prepare well.
"To Will's credit, even under some tough times, he's been able to do that."
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King played down concerns Roughead may have more than a ruptured finger tendon to worry about, with the vice-captain wearing a moonboot at training on Friday
"He's just had a bit of a sore foot too and I think he'll be OK," King said
"He was never going to get up for this week, but it's just a case of wait and see."
