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RETIRED goalsneak Angus Monfries is backing Port Adelaide's aggressive off-season recruiting strategy to propel the Power into premiership contention next year.
Coach Ken Hinkley is set to have a drastically different group at his disposal in 2018, with a major list overhaul already in the works – and much more to come.
A heartbreaking extra-time loss to West Coast in an elimination final at Adelaide Oval ended an up-and-down season for Port this year.
Monfries, 30, officially retired on Tuesday, following Nathan Krakouer calling time on his career last week and tall swingman Jackson Trengove joining the Western Bulldogs via free agency on Friday.
Brisbane Lions clearance king and restricted free agent Tom Rockliff could officially become a Port Adelaide player on Wednesday.
Enigmatic Cat Steven Motlop may sign with the Power the same way, while Demons forward Jack Watts is also on Hinkley's radar as a trade option.
Potentially going the other way are Jarman Impey (Hawthorn) and Brendon Ah Chee (West Coast) and out-of-favour duo Matthew Lobbe and Aaron Young.
"Who would have known what would have happened if we had have gotten over the line against West Coast in that elimination final?" Monfries told NAB AFL Trade Radio.
"It felt like we had the right side of the draw, but it wasn't to be.
"I think with the free agents we're chasing and the current list we've got, that we'll be right up there next year."
Monfries played his first 150 games for Essendon before his last 61 were for Port.
He spent the 2016 season on the sidelines, along with Power teammate and fellow former Bomber Paddy Ryder, serving a ban as one of the 'Essendon 34' penalised for the doping scandal.
Ryder bounced back in stunning fashion to win Port's best and fairest and be the All Australian ruckman, but Monfries broke into the AFL side for just one game.
"It wasn't the ideal year for me … but that's footy and I'm ready to move on," Monfries said.
"I couldn’t have been happier for Paddy and more proud.
"He went through a tough period last year, just like I did, and for him to get that recognition and have the year he has, especially with the All Australian (honour) and the way he's performed, it was a very proud moment."
Monfries spent his year off preparing for life after footy and is armed with a number of qualifications in journalism, as a pilot and in welfare.
He is moving back to Melbourne and hopes to remain in AFL football, possibly in a welfare and development role after enjoying working with the Power's young players this season.
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