PAUL Roos is hoping Jack Trengove can model his game on Sydney Swans stars Ryan O'Keefe and Josh Kennedy.
The premiership duo has been raised in discussions between Trengove and his new coach as the Demons prepare for the new season.
Trengove fits their profile, as he is not blessed with raw pace but he possesses great hands and a quick mind.
He is also a player whose talent is obvious but he is taking time to realise it on a consistent basis.
O'Keefe blossomed in 2004, his fifth season, while Kennedy relished the opportunity at the Swans after joining them in 2010 following three years where he struggled to break into the Hawks' strong midfield.
The 22-year-old Trengove – who has played 79 games in four seasons – said he is likely to be used in a number of roles this season and he is looking forward to challenge.
He admits he is "still learning his craft" and has a long way to go to be mentioned in the same breath as the Swans' premiership players.
"We [Roos and I] chatted a number of times about what sort of role I am going to play with the team and names like that have been brought up," Trengove told AFL.com.au.
"If I was anywhere near as good as the likes of Ryan O'Keefe or Josh Kennedy or someone like that, that would be great."
Trengove said he was continually trying to develop the attributes quality midfielders possessed.
"[It's about] continual work rate and having a strong body to be able to cope with the pressure in close and [having] clean hands," Trengove said.
He said it was also likely there would be opportunities for him to play as a high half-forward or a rebounding defender at different stages during the season.
Trengove chose to relinquish the captaincy in 2014 after discussions with Roos. He hopes it can enable him to pay full attention to his own form.
Last year, Trengove played 20 games but admitted a pre-season foot injury affected his confidence and made things difficult.
Observers say Trengove has been one of the standouts on the track this pre-season and he said he was excited and fit.
He is also benefitting from being surrounded by experienced midfielders Bernie Vince and Daniel Cross, who both joined the club in the off-season.
The duo has played a combined 339 games between them – 16 per cent of the total games played on Melbourne's list – and are giving the Demons' young midfield group great guidance.
"They are both fantastic at setting high standards in training and everything around the club, which is great for the young guys to look up to," Trengove said.
Jack Trengove prepares to kick at training under the watchful eye of Paul Roos. Picture: AFL Media
Melbourne has had a history of throwing its recruits in the deep end in recent seasons. High draft picks Trengove, Tom Scully, Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas have all made their debut in round one of their first season at the club.
Roos has indicated he will be very patient with the club's batch of first year players and there will be no pressure on Christian Salem (pick No.9 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft) to play senior football this season.
Trengove believes when that happens, it will be a good indication that the list is improving.
"Roosy is huge on developing the young guys and making sure they are ready for AFL so that they are not pushed into the deep end, which might slow their development in some ways," Trengove said.
"The young guys will definitely have to earn their spots."
