WESTERN Bulldogs recruit Jackson Trengove knew his nine-year career at Port Adelaide was over when he wasn't selected for the club's elimination final loss to West Coast.
After playing 153 games at the Power since being selected with pick No.22 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, the Victorian fell out of favour at the end of last season, so he decided to take up a free agency offer from the Bulldogs.
When Trengove reflects on Port's heartbreaking finals exit last September, the key defender feels he could have made a difference, with Eagles tall forwards Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Drew Petrie combing for eight goals in the two-point extra-time loss.
"Towards the end of the year being left out of the side and missing that final was probably my last straw and the writing was on the wall," Trengove told 5AA on Thursday.
"It was pretty difficult sitting in the stands watching that game, and everything that was written about during the week of what might happen, did happen.
"I was thinking I could have played a huge part and probably help the team get a win and get to another final.
"I was playing well enough in the SANFL at that stage to be brought back (into the side), and for whatever reason I wasn't brought back in, and I saw the opportunity to come back home."
Trengove believes his versatility was one of the main reasons the Dogs lured him to Whitten Oval on a three-year deal, as his ability play all over the ground fits with coach Luke Beveridge's flexibility mantra.
"One thing that's been handy in my career is that I've been able to play in numerous positions, and at this stage, I'm not 100 per cent (sure) where I'll fit in at the Doggies," Trengove said.
"It'll probably be playing in all three positions – forward, ruck and down back.
"At some stage I will settle down and play one or two of those positions but at some stage I'll play in all three positions throughout the year."
And life is set to get a whole lot busier for the father of one, with Trengove and his partner expecting twins in the coming weeks.
