Jackson Trengove set to play forward for Port Adelaide in 2017

JACKSON Trengove has been training with Port Adelaide’s forwards over the preseason and teammate Charlie Dixon says he looms as a centrepiece of the new-look attack.

HE was a key defender-turned-ruckman but now Jackson Trengove looms as a centrepiece of Port Adelaide’s rebuilt forward line, according to teammate Charlie Dixon.

The 197cm Trengove has been training with the Power’s forwards since Christmas and No.1 attacking target Dixon says he is already “taking control’’ inside the 50m arc.

“‘Jacko’ is the general, he takes control fairly well and leads the young boys really well,’’ Dixon said.

“Having him and Paddy (Ryder) roll through there is going to be really good and I just can’t wait to play more with them and learn how they play. I’m excited to see what happens this year.’’

Trengove became Port’s No.1 ruckman last year after former Bomber Ryder’s season-long suspension for the supplements scandal and injury and form issues for previous lead ruckman Matthew Lobbe.

Jackson Trengove has been training with Port Adelaide’s forwards. Picture: Sarah Reed

But with Ryder back on deck, Trengove is likely to share the rucking duties with him while also playing forward, taking pressure off Dixon.

Dixon was last season the Power’s No.1 inside-50 target, with 34 per cent of the team’s forward entries aimed at him — ranked third in the AFL.

But he won the ball just 27 per cent of the time when it was directed to him — the second-worst retention rate of the league’s top-10 targets, according to Champion Data.

Dixon, meanwhile, said mature-age rookie list recruit Brett Eddy, from South Adelaide, is making every post a winner in his bid to earn promotion to the senior list.

“He’s a very smart footballer, very silky, very tidy with his skills and can find a lot of space, so I think he will be a good addition,’’ he said.

Jackson Trengove was forced to shoulder ruck duties last year. Picture: Tom Huntley

With veteran small forward Angus Monftries also returning to the team after his 12-month drugs ban, Dixon is excited by how strong Port’s attack could be this season.

“We have a lot of boys who are firing, fit and ready to go, so it’s going to be tough (to get a spot),’’ he said.

“But that’s what you need at a football club, you need competition to keep everyone on their toes and wanting to get better every week, which is something we have at the moment.’’

Last year’s first-round draft pick, 198cm Todd Marshall, is still developing, according to Dixon.

“He’s very raw but he’s very skilful and silky and for a big fella he can move, so it will be interesting to see how he goes’’ Dixon said.