Port Adelaide is on the brink of handing Jack Trengove his debut after outstanding SANFL form
FORMER Melbourne captain Jack Trengove has taken another step towards making his debut for Port Adelaide and will travel with the team to Tasmania.
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PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says former Melbourne captain Jack Trengove is on the brink of forcing himself into the Power’s side after outstanding form in the SANFL.
Trengove on Friday replaced Cameron Hewett as a travelling emergency for the club’s match against Hawthorn in Launceston and Hinkley — who named an unchanged side for the match — predicted Trengove and forward Todd Marshall were those who would soon bang down the door for selection.
“Jack’s incredibly close,” Hinkley said.
“Jack’s played really strong footy right through the whole season.
“He’s probably been the best player for the Magpies bar none.
“He’s travelled with us two or three times already this year.
“At some stage Jack deserves a chance.
“(But) we’ve been winning and we go unchanged for a third game.”
Marshall played for the Magpies in the SANFL last weekend in his return from compassionate leave after the death of his father but sustained a shoulder injury.
Hinkley vowed to be patient and careful in not bringing Marshall back to the AFL fold too soon but said he was an important part of the side as it seeks to qualify for September.
“Everybody’s seen the hit he took last week so it’s a quite a sore part of his body,” Hinkley said. “But it’s one of those that can improve quickly.
“He’s had a few interruptions, the poor kid, but I’m sure he’ll be back soon.
“I do think Todd Marshall is a really important part of our team at it’s best and we look forward to getting him in it.”
Hinkley’s calls on Trengove and Marshall come as the Power faces the challenge of taking on Hawthorn’s mighty home ground advantage in Launceston.
The Hawks have won 43 of 56 matches at the picturesque Tasmanian location and have lost only once since 2012.
Hinkley said a win there would be crucial in setting up the club’s tilt at the finals, with Port Adelaide having eight of its final 12 matches at Adelaide Oval.
“They’ve been fantastic but I think they’re quite a different side that they’ve been over that period of time,” Hinkley said. “They’ve been that great premiership side over that period time.
“In Clarko’s words (premiership coach Alastair Clarkson) I think they’re trying to establish and rebuild their next opportunity and I think that’s what they probably are now.
“There’s an opportunity for us to go there and challenge them big-time.”
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