Bombers key forward Angus Monfries has revealed he is preparing for a challenging pre-season as he looks to develop his playing role ahead of next year.

Monfries, who booted 31 goals during the 2011 season, said the evolving demands of the game meant he was looking to continually develop his game style.

“I’d like to have a few strings to my bow in terms of being versatile and I’ll be using this hard summer to improve my fitness and become stronger so I can play more minutes up the ground. Playing up is definitely something I am aiming to do,” Monfries said.

“With the rotations and the new sub rule, the game is getting even quicker and I personally really noticed that last season. I think that means as a player you are required to be a lot more versatile and you have to be able to play more roles for the team.”

24-year-old Monfries said he was excited by the prospect of the playing group's development ahead of the upcoming season under coach James Hird and Bomber Thompson.

“Finishing 14^th in 2010 and finishing 8^th this year is a step in the right direction and hopefully we can keep progressing. We need to get a lot of kilometres into the boys’ legs this summer and keep lifting heavy weights to keep improving.”

“I think the supporters would be happy with the progress that we’re making.

“You always want to aim for the top four to try to get yourself the double chance in playing finals footy. I think next year if we could progress to winning a final and be competitive in a final then that’s more than what supporters could ask for,” he said.

The club has set an ambitious target of 60,000 members for 2012 and Monfries has urged all supporters to unite behind the team.

“It would be great to get that 60,000 membership mark and it would be remarkable for the club.”

“We would really love to get all fans to support the club by buying a membership.”