Angus Monfries, Australian footballer

Angus Monfries, born on January 19, 1987, is a distinguished former professional Australian rules footballer whose career spanned over a decade in the highly competitive Australian Football League (AFL). Recognised for his dynamic play as a forward, Monfries made significant contributions across two prominent clubs: the Essendon Football Club and the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Career at Essendon Football Club (2005-2012)

Monfries began his journey in the AFL after being recruited by the Essendon Football Club with pick #42 in the 2004 AFL National Draft. He quickly established himself as a versatile and damaging small forward, capable of playing both as a traditional forward pocket and a high half-forward. During his eight seasons with the Bombers, Monfries played 161 games, kicking 139 goals. He was a valuable asset known for his speed, agility, and ability to apply crucial defensive pressure in the forward line, often turning half-chances into scoring opportunities. His consistent performances made him a key part of Essendon's forward setup throughout his tenure.

Transition to Port Adelaide Football Club (2013-2016)

In a strategic move at the end of the 2012 season, Angus Monfries sought a new challenge and was traded to the Port Adelaide Football Club. This transfer marked a pivotal phase in his career, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess as a goal-kicking forward. At Port Adelaide, Monfries played 62 games and added 79 goals to his career tally. His experience and leadership were instrumental for the Power, particularly during their resurgence in the mid-2010s, where his ability to hit the scoreboard and create opportunities for teammates was highly valued. His overall AFL career concluded with a total of 223 games played and 218 goals kicked, showcasing a consistently effective presence in the forward line.

Playing Style and On-Field Contributions

Monfries was primarily known for his role as a forward pocket or half-forward, positions that demand a unique blend of goal-scoring ability, speed, and defensive work rate. His athletic attributes allowed him to be a constant threat inside the forward 50, either by outmaneuvering defenders for marks or by capitalising on ground ball gets. Beyond his goal-kicking prowess, Monfries was lauded for his relentless pressure acts, often chasing down opponents and forcing turnovers, embodying the modern forward's requirement to be both an offensive weapon and a defensive asset. His versatility allowed coaches to deploy him in various forward roles, making him a reliable and consistent performer throughout his career.

Notable Career Event and Retirement

A significant event that impacted Monfries' career, particularly his final season, was his involvement in the Essendon Football Club supplements saga. As a former Essendon player, he was among 34 past and present players who were suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the entire 2016 AFL season due to anti-doping rule violations related to the 2012 program. This suspension effectively brought an early end to his playing career, as he announced his retirement following the 2016 season, having been unable to play any games that year for Port Adelaide. His retirement decision was influenced by both the imposed suspension and ongoing hamstring issues that had plagued him in his later years, highlighting the physical and professional challenges he faced towards the end of his distinguished career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angus Monfries

When was Angus Monfries born?
Angus Monfries was born on January 19, 1987.
Which AFL clubs did Angus Monfries play for?
Angus Monfries played for two clubs during his professional AFL career: the Essendon Football Club from 2005 to 2012, and the Port Adelaide Football Club from 2013 to 2016.
What positions did Angus Monfries primarily play?
Angus Monfries primarily played as a forward pocket or a half-forward, leveraging his speed and goal sense.
How many total games did Angus Monfries play in his AFL career?
Angus Monfries played a total of 223 senior games in the Australian Football League, consisting of 161 games for Essendon and 62 for Port Adelaide.
What was Angus Monfries known for as a player?
He was widely known for his explosive speed, keen goal sense, and his strong defensive pressure that made him a valuable asset in the forward line for both his clubs.