JACK Trengove isn't taking his spot in the Port Adelaide side for granted and is keen to repay the Power's faith in throwing him an AFL lifeline.
The former Melbourne co-captain also believes it's a matter of time before another ex-Demon, Jack Watts, is recalled to the side.
After getting close on several occasions as a travelling emergency, Trengove made his Power debut in last Saturday's 21-point win against Carlton at the MCG when defender Darcy Byrne-Jones was dropped for arriving late to a training session.
Trengove had played just seven games in the past four seasons after a career-threatening foot injury, and wasn't guaranteed of playing senior football when he spoke with Power coach Ken Hinkley.
"When I first sat down with Ken, we had an honest conversation saying that if you do come over it's going to be tough because it's a tough midfield to break into," Trengove told AFL.com.au.
"I didn't even get a spot in the midfield, it was in the backline, so it's always going to be tough, but that's the good thing about being involved in competitive clubs.
"You prefer it that way to getting a walk-up start and easy game every week because we're fifth on the ladder and one win off the top, so that's the sort of clubs you want to be involved in."
The Power have won four in a row ahead of Saturday's encounter with St Kilda at Adelaide Oval.
The second overall pick of the 2009 national draft, Trengove played 79 games in his first four seasons with the Demons before cracking the navicular bone in his foot in a VFL game in 2014.
Surgery wasn't successful, and Trengove went under the knife again in October, ruling him out of the entire 2015 season.
"There were probably thoughts of, 'Are you actually going to be get back and run?'" Trengove said.
"Even worrying about playing a game of footy were so far away for me.
"You have to build in little goals and hit little milestones, but at different stages it was a case of having a healthy body and doing the day-to-day activities with no pain.
"It's been a pretty long road, but one I can sit back and say I'm grateful for because I'm back playing every week."
The next goal for Trengove is running out for the Power alongside his good mate Watts.
After a couple of strong games in the SANFL, Watts – the No.1 overall pick in 2008 - is pressing his claims to return to the senior side, whether it's as a forward or on the wing where his quality delivery can help the Power's inside 50 conversions.
"It's been great to go through this early journey at Port Adelaide with him," Trengove said.
"He wants to get back in the senior side as quick as possible and he's doing everything he can to do that.
"He's backed up some pretty consistent performances in the SANFL, so I'm sure his opportunity will come soon enough."
