Port Adelaide signs former Melbourne captain Jack Trengove, who says he can help Jack Watts’ interstate transition

FORMER Demons Jack Trengove and Jack Watts will find themselves reunited at Port Adelaide and the ex-captain says he can help Watts’ interstate transition.

Former Demons captain Jack Trengove is on his way back to South Australia to play with Port Adelaide. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

• Thomas delisted, set to land at Power
• Port claim delisted Sun McKenzie
• Watts signing hailed as a ‘masterstroke’
• Trengove off to join Bulldogs

FORMER Demons Jack Trengove and Jack Watts will find themselves reunited at Port Adelaide and the ex-captain says he can help Watts’ interstate transition

The pair spent several years together at Melbourne, with Trengove moving from South Australia as an 18-year-old when he was drafted by the Demons with pick No.2 in the 2009 draft.

The pair has spoken about their big move and Trengove says Watts was overjoyed when he heard the news.

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Jack Trengove and Jack Watts will reunite at the Power next year. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

“I think there was a tear in his eye actually,” Trengove said on SEN’s The Run Home.

“He was really excited because obviously it’s a huge move interstate for him.

“I guess it’s something I went through as an 18-year-old and he’s going through it as a 26-year-old.

“Hopefully I can help him transition.

“It’s great to know a few people at club.

“Wattsy is certainly one of my good mates so to continue our careers together is really exciting.”

Port Adelaide yesterday made the move to add Trengove to his list after he was dumped by the Demons.

Trengove, 26, returns to SA on a one-year deal with the Power as free-agent utility after Jackson Trengove moved from Alberton to the Western Bulldogs.

Trengove is the second delisted free-agent to join Port Adelaide, following Gold Coast defender Trent McKenzie.

A third delisted free-agency signing is to follow with North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas who was cut by the Kangaroos on Friday.

A No. 2 draftee from SANFL club Sturt in 2009, Trengove joins Port Adelaide after 86 AFL games with Melbourne since his national league debut in 2010. He was the Demons captain in 2012 and 2013.

But his AFL career has been hindered by a foot injury that has required multiple surgery.

Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps has justified the gamble on Trengove saying the midfielder “still has plenty to offer”.

“The football world knows that Jack has had some much-publicised injury setbacks over the past couple of years,” Cripps said. “But we are confident that he still has plenty of upside and will contribute positively to our playing group both on and off the field.

“We are all well aware of the skill level and pure football ability that Jack possesses, but most importantly he also brings great character, integrity and leadership to our club which will be invaluable to our entire playing group.”

Trengove will join Port Adelaide on Monday, November 27. He will find another former Melbourne player at Alberton with his good mate Jack Watts to join the Power in preseason training in December.

“I am so appreciative of Port Adelaide providing me with another chance to play the game I love,” Trengove said on Friday.

“I still feel as though I have plenty to offer with my experience and leadership and I can’t wait to start this new phase in my career.

“And to come home and be back around family and friends will make the transition so much easier.”

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