Tweet
Footscray VFL coach Steve Grace lauds Angus Monfries after four-goal haul against Geelong
FOOTSCRAY coach Steve Grace has heaped praise on marquee signing Angus Monfries after the former AFL forward produced a standout performance in the club’s VFL loss on Saturday.
Monfries booted four goals in the Dogs’ 19-point loss against Geelong to take his season tally to nine majors from three games.
The 31-year-old former Essendon and Port Adelaide player arrived at Whitten Oval over summer after a 13-year career at the top level.
Monfries, who played 211 AFL games, has also taken on an assistant coaching position and a part-time role at the Western Bulldogs in addition to his playing duties.
He is also sharing the captaincy at Footscray with Josh Prudden this season, underlining the immediate impact he has had on the group.
“He’s been a star on and off the field for us so far,” Grace said.
“He’s getting heavy attention and he’s a class act.
“I probably didn’t realise how brave he was aerially. (On Saturday) he went back with the flight another two times with no care for himself, so great leadership shown by him.
“He kicked four goals and three of them were clutch goals to keep us involved. We couldn’t be happier with how he’s going.”
The Dogs kicked the opening goal of the last quarter to lead by a solitary point before Geelong booted the last three goals of the match to claim a 13.9 (87) to 10.8 (68) victory.
Will Hayes also impressed in the midfield, but Grace said few others performed consistently.
“Quite disappointing, to be honest,” Grace said of the last-quarter fadeout.
“At the 20-minute mark of the last quarter we were still in front, but there were just some costly turnovers, which they scored heavily from, and that was the story of the day unfortunately.
“I think eight of their 12 goals were scored directly from our turnovers.
“There were 15 VFL players who had a great opportunity. The great thing about the day is we were able to blood some new players again and they’ll be a lot better for getting a taste of VFL football.”
Footscray has a 1-2 record after three rounds and has the bye this weekend.
The club’s next fixture will be against Richmond at Whitten Oval on May 5.
FOOTSCRAY coach Steve Grace has heaped praise on marquee signing Angus Monfries after the former AFL forward produced a standout performance in the club’s VFL loss on Saturday.
Monfries booted four goals in the Dogs’ 19-point loss against Geelong to take his season tally to nine majors from three games.
The 31-year-old former Essendon and Port Adelaide player arrived at Whitten Oval over summer after a 13-year career at the top level.
Monfries, who played 211 AFL games, has also taken on an assistant coaching position and a part-time role at the Western Bulldogs in addition to his playing duties.
He is also sharing the captaincy at Footscray with Josh Prudden this season, underlining the immediate impact he has had on the group.
“He’s been a star on and off the field for us so far,” Grace said.
“He’s getting heavy attention and he’s a class act.
“I probably didn’t realise how brave he was aerially. (On Saturday) he went back with the flight another two times with no care for himself, so great leadership shown by him.
“He kicked four goals and three of them were clutch goals to keep us involved. We couldn’t be happier with how he’s going.”
The Dogs kicked the opening goal of the last quarter to lead by a solitary point before Geelong booted the last three goals of the match to claim a 13.9 (87) to 10.8 (68) victory.
Will Hayes also impressed in the midfield, but Grace said few others performed consistently.
“Quite disappointing, to be honest,” Grace said of the last-quarter fadeout.
“At the 20-minute mark of the last quarter we were still in front, but there were just some costly turnovers, which they scored heavily from, and that was the story of the day unfortunately.
“I think eight of their 12 goals were scored directly from our turnovers.
“There were 15 VFL players who had a great opportunity. The great thing about the day is we were able to blood some new players again and they’ll be a lot better for getting a taste of VFL football.”
Footscray has a 1-2 record after three rounds and has the bye this weekend.
The club’s next fixture will be against Richmond at Whitten Oval on May 5.
Comment