JACK Trengove has no illusions about what it will take to reboot his AFL career after an "upfront and honest" conversation with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley.

The Power threw the former Melbourne captain a lifeline as a delisted free agent after he was cut by the Demons following four injury-interrupted seasons.

With Port coming off a finals campaign, and adding high-prolife recruits Tom Rockliff, Steven Motlop and Jack Watts, Trengove said Hinkley couldn't have been more direct on his prospects at Alberton.

"(Ken) was absolutely upfront and honest where everything was at and said it was going to be tough to break into what's a very competitive side," Trengove told RSN radio on Friday.

"(He said) at this stage I'm not in the best 22, which I love that upfront and honest conversation."

"But if I'm willing to do the work, put the hard yards in, (he said) I can earn my spot."

Trengove started his AFL career with much optimism, with the No.2 pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft making his debut for Melbourne in round one of the following year.

In 2012, at 20 years and 181 days, the South Australian became the youngest captain in League history when he and Jack Grimes were appointed as co-leaders of the Demons.

Since then, serious foot injuries have cruelled a once-promising career to the point where he has only played seven senior games in the past four seasons.

Trengove, who is back to full fitness, heads back to Adelaide with renewed positivity.

"The other thing that struck me about Ken is that he really does just focus on what you can bring to the team, opposed to the little inefficiencies you need to improve on," he said.

"For a player that's been around for a few years now, it's great to hear what you can do again.

"I truly do believe that I can (reach my potential)."

While he has his work cut out to force his way into a strong Power side, Trengove revealed he may be assigned the important off-field role of chaperoning good mate Watts.

"Ken was pretty keen for me to live with (Jack) to keep him on the straight and narrow," Trengove joked.

"It's a good opportunity to show 'Wattsy' the ropes and introduce him to a few people.

"Mum and dad have already organised a weekly Sunday roast for Wattsy and I, so we should get looked after pretty well."