After arriving at Alberton having spent the bulk of his career at Essendon, Monfries proved a versatile option for Ken Hinkley and his coaching panel throughout the season.
Billed primarily as a forward during his days at Windy Hill, Monfries quickly morphed into a valuable utility for the Power in 2013 and mixed his damaging forward abilities with stints playing through the middle and in negating roles on key opponents.
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There were highlights aplenty throughout the year as Monfries quickly won over the Port Adelaide faithful, none more so than his ripping leg break goal against Adelaide in Showdown XXXV which was crucial in the Power nabbing its most famous derby win.
Monfries chiseled a reputation as a big game player with performances like that Showdown effort, but also against other high-profile teams.
He helped keep the Power in the game against Geelong with a near-record seven goal performance in Round 20, and was critical to the team's elimination final win against Collingwood at the MCG.
It's no wonder he was highly rated come season's end, and forwards coach Tyson Edwards is expecting him to match his 2013 contribution next year.
"Gussy had a super year, did some defensive jobs for us which was fantastic but he was also damaging for us in terms of getting the ball and being active and lively across the ground," Edwards told portadelaidefc.com.au.
"I would assume he will play a similar role for us again next year, but he might also push up ground more often onto the wing and through the midfield."
"He's a super player on the wing."
Monfries was lured to Alberton by the opportunity to spend more time playing through the middle of the ground and Edwards suggests there may be greater opportunity for that to happen with a similar player in Matthew White, formerly of Richmond, joining the club.
White, like Monfries, is a capable goal scorer and is being considered as a longer term successor to established taggers in Kane Cornes and Dom Cassisi.
Angus Monfries profile
With that in mind, Monfries may well find himself playing in the middle as much as in the forward line next year.
"I think it's a goal for Angus to play in the midfield more and if Matty White takes some of those defensive jobs it could potentially free Gussy to play wing or up the ground."
Monfries had a strong pre-season campaign last year and should revel in the opportunity to become one of Port Adelaide's primary utilities when training resumes this week.
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