Earmarked as a future leader of the club, it is often the quality of Monfries’ character that is lauded as much as his football ability. His endearing qualities make him a favourite of both his teammates and the Essendon faithful.
One person who knows Monfries as well as anyone around the club is forward coach Dean Wallis.
""He has a great belief in his ability, he truly believes he is going to have an impact by the time he leaves the game. Not many people come in at his age and have that belief, but in saying that if he keeps doing the hard work generally people will be rewarded.
He is a cheeky little kid in a good way, but he is also serious in another way, he has a very good balance in his life.""
In the best game of his short career, Monfries was a stand out performer in the Bombers forward line kicking five goals in last Saturday’s hit out, getting under the guard of a couple of the Lions defenders.
""He has the potential to do that regularly because of the way he works. He is willing to work hard, he does the team things and generally when players do that they get the rewards,"" Wallis explained.
But was his break out game of football where Monfries has cemented his position the Essendon starting 18? With a performance like that he is sure to come into close attention from opposition teams.
""I spoke to him about it today. Every time you kick five goals the opposition are watching and all of a sudden this week you are going to have a guy sitting on his tail niggling him and harassing him and its how he is going to handle it,"" Wallis explained.
""Either he lets it get to him or he handles it and takes it to another level like champions do. He has to understand that it’s coming.""
The way Monfries commits himself to the ball without a hint of hesitation proves he is full of courage with many people forgetting he underwent a full shoulder reconstruction at the end of last season.
""If he took it out of his game and started being hesitant that’s when he does get injured. He is just an inspiration to the rest of the playing group and that’s when wish everyone had Angus’ commitment,"" Wallis said.
Time will only tell how Monfries continues to develop. That being said, with his natural skills, work ethic and understanding of the game there looks to be a bright AFL future ahead for the 19-year-old.
""It’s only early days and obviously he will have a few road blocks and hurdles to get over as he gets older, but so far he has been fantastic.
""He has got a great career in front of him, he is very level headed committed he is just a pleasure to coach,"" Wallis said.
