PORT Adelaide recruit Jack Trengove is embracing his second chance after refusing to concede his AFL career was over.

Hampered by foot injuries during his time with Melbourne, the former Demons co-captain was in outstanding shape when the Power returned to training at Alberton Oval on Monday morning.

Trengove was signed by the Power as a delisted free agent on a one-year deal after playing 86 games in eight seasons with the Demons.

The 26-year-old is elated to be back in South Australia after being taken with the No.2 overall pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

"It's one of those ones where I certainly never wanted to believe (my career was over) and I thought I had plenty more to offer and plenty more to give," Trengove told reporters.

"The longer the off-season goes and you're not getting that phone call, your mind starts to go towards what's next, what am I going to do next year.

"I was probably at that point, I was thinking what am I going to do for some money next year and where am I going to play footy.

"Then an opportunity came and I jumped at it.

"I was certainly sitting on my couch thinking I just want one more chance to prove myself, in a fresh environment, fresh set of eyes, new teammates, new surroundings.

"I don't think I could've fit in any better at the moment."

Trengove was sitting on his couch preparing for a university exam when he got a call out of the blue from Power coach Ken Hinkley.

The next day, his career was resurrected and he was searching for rental properties with good mate, and fellow Power recruit, Jack Watts.

"I finished my exam, flew straight to Adelaide, Ken picked me up from the airport, sat down with him for a couple hours and by the end of it, I had pretty much signed the deal, or a handshake at least," Trengove said.

"When that call came, I was trying to convince Ken in every way possible to take me and give me another chance, because that's what I felt that I needed.

"I said I'd help Wattsy every chance I could, so I literally threw out everything."

Trengove said he has no issues with his foot and that he has never felt better.

He knows he might have to start the season in the reserves, but is willing to do whatever it takes to prove he deserves another shot.

"I'm certainly aware of the situation I'm in, and it's a pretty tough side to break into and very competitive," Trengove said.

"I'm going to have to work really hard in the next month or so to keep pushing my case.

"It might be a thing where I start at the (Port Adelaide) Magpies and really have to prove myself before I get an opportunity, and if that's the case, I'm all for it.

"It's a bit of a free kick this year for me, I didn't think it was coming.

"I'm really excited to attack it and play whatever role is thrown at me."