JARED Polec admits he got ahead of himself as a high draft pick at the Brisbane Lions and that he needs some "tough love" from Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley.
The 21-year-old midfielder was part of drawn-out trade negotiations last month and, upon sealing a move home to South Australia’ was labeled a mummy's boy by teammate Pearce Hanley.
Hanley's comment followed those from Lions vice captain Tom Rockliff who questioned Polec's decision to nominate his desired club, having played just 16 games in three injury-riddled seasons in Brisbane.
While he refused to hit back at his former teammates, Polec admitted he needed to be pushed to get the most out of himself.
"They're entitled to their own opinions, I'm at Port Adelaide now and happy," Polec said.
"[Hinkley] said he was going to give me the tough love which I really need. I need a bit of pushing and he promised that he'd do that and that he'd be honest with me.
"I had massive faith in Kenny. [When] he promised me that he'd be able to get the trade done…I knew it was going to get done."
Polec revealed it had been a childhood dream of his to play for the Power and follow in the footsteps of his football hero Gavin Wanganeen.
And while Adelaide was also in the hunt for the midfielder's services, he said the only reason he considered playing for the Crows was to reunite with former teammate Brodie Smith.
Polec was also impressed by the pre-season plan set out for him by the Power’s high performance manager Darren Burgess.
Knee, ankle and groin issues have meant Polec hasn't completed an AFL pre-season since being drafted by the Lions at pick no. 5 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
"From a personal development point of view with my injuries, I've spoken to Burgess and they've planned a real tough pre-season for me," he said.
"[Lots of] endurance-type running and repeat efforts.
"I haven't been able to do a pre-season which has hurt me over the last three years, hopefully I'll get my first one done this year."
Polec insisted his body was "100 per cent" on the eve of his first pre-season at Alberton.
After misreading his standing at the Lions early in his career, he said there was only one way to win the respect of his new teammates.
"Being a high draft pick I think got to me early on, I walked into the club thinking that I was going to get a game straight up," he said.
"I've learnt a lot over in Brisbane; it was a great experience.
"Coming to Port Adelaide I know I have to gain respect straight away and work hard."
