Jack Trengove Biography

Port Adelaide delists Jack Trengove as well as rookies Cam Hewett and Kai Pudney.

"Jack, Cam and Kai have each represented our club with pride and professionalism," Port Adelaide's general manager of football Chris Davies said.

"But we have reached the time of the year when the club needs to make difficult decisions about the future of our playing list.

"Each of the players have been popular and hardworking members of our group and we wish them well for their individual futures."

Jack Trengove will make his debut for the Power this week.

It will be just the 26-year-old's eighth AFL game since 2013 after getting close as a travelling emergency several times this season.

"As you can imagine, he was fairly excited. He's worked really hard and he's busting for a game," Power coach Ken Hinkley said.

"He's done more miles than most of us – he's been to China, he's been to Perth, he's been to Tasmania – he's just not played, so now he gets to play."

Port Adelaide recruit Jack Trengove reflects on being close to accepting his AFL career was over after being delisted by Melbourne.

"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," he said.

"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.

"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."

Jack Watts says he is enjoying living with his former Melbourne, and now current Port Adelaide, teammate Jack Trengove.

The Power picked up Trengove as a delisted free agent on a one-year deal, Watts getting the news when he was in Montreal on holidays.

"He (Trengove) said, 'You won't believe who I've just spoken to – (Power coach) Kenny Hinkley," Watts said.

"As soon as I got off the phone, I messaged Kenny and said, 'He's a legend, you won't go wrong.

"He said it's all done, just keep it under wraps for a little while.

"It's surreal now that we're living together back in his home state."

Jack Trengove accepts he has his work cut out for him to make it into the Port Adelaide's best 22.

"(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 about a chat he had with Power coach Ken Hinkley.

"(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."

Jack Trengove's AFL career is still alive after the former Demon signed with Port Adelaide as a delisted free agent.

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

"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."

Jack Trengove is delisted by Melbourne, bringing a likely end to a promising career that was jeopardised by a career-threatening foot injury.

"Jack has been an outstanding person to have come through the Melbourne football club. He leaves having captained the club through some tough times and having provided genuine leadership to all his teammates, particularly the younger players coming through in recent times," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"His resilience and ability to overcome a serious foot injury was testament to his character. To again play at the highest level, when the odds were against him, was a credit to his perseverance and will to play in the AFL."

Jack Trengove plays in his first AFL match in 399 days, collecting 16 disposals in Melbourne's 23-point win over Port Adelaide.

"I'm a realist, in that I know I'm out of contract this year, so every game is huge for me and I've just got to keep proving to everyone that I do belong," Trengove said.

"I truly believe I have a long career ahead of me. I missed two years, so hopefully they're (added) on the back end of my career.

"In some ways it's a great way to be, because it makes you play on that edge all the time and always trying to prove you still belong and can play great footy at this level."

Melbourne has shown faith in former co-captain Jack Trengove, extending his contract until the end of 2017.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said while Trengove's pre-season for 2016 was about rehabilitation, his pre-season ahead of 2017 will have a performance focus.

"[It] will give him the opportunity to maximise his potential and lead to some potential upside moving into next year," Mahoney said.

"Jack has had a fantastic attitude, which has helped him in his recovery, and in that time he has been able to pass on a lot of great learnings to our young players."

Melbourne has confirmed Jack Trengove will face Hawthorn on Saturday at the MCG, 797 days after the former skipper's last senior game for the club.

Trengove, who has suffered serious foot problems, will play his first AFL game since March 30, 2014.

"There were times when I’m sure he wouldn’t have thought he’d play again and the medical staff and coaches were uncertain, even if they were optimistic," Melbourne coach Paul Roos said.

"I definitely feel like he’s probably three or four weeks ahead of what I thought.

"I was thinking (he'd return) around the bye or the second half of the season, so he’s done a terrific job to get back as quickly as what he’s done. That’s the biggest thing that hits me when he’s playing this weekend."

Jack Trengove will finally make his return to senior football after nearly 800 days on the sidelines.

"There's no doubt there were moments when you doubt yourself and I think it's only natural to have those feelings, especially when I went down with it for the second time," Trengove said.

"But in saying that, I've had such a great support base around me … they gave me confidence I could actually get back, but there were some dark days in the gym by myself thinking 'What the hell are you doing?'

"It's all worthwhile once you get back out there and start playing again."

Trengove said he hoped his pre-game nerves would disappear once the game starts at the MCG.

"It's funny, I actually debuted against Hawthorn back in 2010 and we've got them again this weekend," he said.

"It might feel like it's my second debut, but once the siren goes and the ball's in play, hopefully it will feel like a normal game again."

Melbourne will continue to take a cautious approach with Jack Trengove's comeback, resisting any urge to rush the midfielder back into the senior team.

"It's almost a case of him coming to us when he feels like he's comfortable and saying that he really wants to put his hand up for senior selection," Melbourne coach Paul Roos said.

"He's said that he's loving being back out there and I said to come and knock on my door when he thinks he's ready.

"Then (we'll talk about) what he really needs to work on to play AFL as opposed to just letting him play (VFL) and enjoy it.

"(But) it's a credit to him the way he's been playing."

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney says Jack Trengove has exceeded the club's expectations in regard to his form.

Trengove has made an ultra-impressive return to the field after being cruelled by a career-threatening navicular fracture in his foot, averaging 19.5 disposals from his four games for VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions this season.

"Jack's progressed further than what we would have anticipated, which is really positive," Mahoney said.

"The club and Jack's main focus is for him to put a number of games together, get through those games and pull up without any issues.

"We haven't even started to consider AFL selection at this stage."

Jack Trengove says his "body is feeling great" despite being concussed in the opening minutes of Casey's VFL win on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old received a heavy head knock within the first four minutes of the match against Frankston at Casey Fields and did not return to the field after failing a concussion test.

Trengove allayed any fears on Sunday morning following his latest injury setback, but will be monitored closely over the course of the week.

"Welcome back to footy! Cop a whack in the first four mins that ends my game. Good news – body is feeling great," Trengove tweeted.

Jack Trengove is daring to dream of an AFL return sooner rather than later after taking another significant leap in his comeback from a serious foot injury in a VFL intraclub match at Gosch's Paddock.

Trengove well during the two-hour session, of which an hour was dedicated to match simulation, and is confident the navicular fracture that threatened to end his career has been consigned to the past.

"Right from the outset, when you do get a long-term injury, one thing you can lose sight of is believing that you can play again," Trengove said after the practice match.

"I'm certainly starting to believe more and more with each session I tick off now.

"The dream is still to certainly get back out on the MCG and the club's a really exciting place to be around at the moment, and I want to be apart of that and get amongst it, because I don't want to miss out."

Melbourne captain Nathan Jones says seeing Jack Trengove play his first game in almost two years would be an inspiration.

Trengove is preparing to line up in an intraclub game for Melbourne affiliate Casey.

"He's the ultimate professional with his recovery and one of the club's great blokes," Jones said.

"His personality hasn't shifted, he hasn't dropped his head, he's stayed positive the whole time and to see him get his chance and run out there this week … to play a game again is going to provide some real inspiration to the group."

Jack Trengove has taken another decisive step in his recovery from a serious foot injury, joining full contact training for the first time since his second bout of surgery last October.

Jack Trengove says he plans to start pre-season training with his Melbourne teammates and remains confident he will be ready to play in round one next season.

In what he admits is a make-or-break year, Trengove, who is contracted until the end of next season, said his recovery from a second bout of foot surgery in October last year was well on track.

"There's a lot of water to pass under the bridge and no doubt there'll be the odd time where you do take two steps forward and one step back. That's the nature of the injury," Trengove said.

"But the way it's going at this stage and, if it continues this way, then round one is certainly possible."

Jack Trengove has been cleared to begin running again on his troublesome left foot.

"It's no fun watching," Trengove said.

"I can't wait to get out and start running again because that's when you feel like you're taking big steps."

Trengove had a scan on his fractured foot and the results showed the bone has been healing well.

Melbourne elite performance manager Dave Misson said it was good news as far as Trengove's chances of playing at the start of 2016 were concerned.

"The scan showed that his bone is continuing to heal and the surgeon was very positive about him moving into a running phase of his program over the next few weeks, and then progressing it over the next couple of months," Misson said.

While he continues his lengthy rehabilitation from a serious foot injury, Jack Trengove does one day a week of work experience at financial planning firm Rising Tide.

"I'm big on keeping my mind busy," Trengove said.

The Demons are pleased with Trengove's progress, but he still remains up to two months away from getting back into running.

"It's no fun watching," he said.

"I can't wait to get out and start running again because that's when you feel like you're taking big steps."

"I'm trying to keep a lot of other things going on in my life to make sure I'm not sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself."

Jack Trengove signs a one-year contract extension with Melbourne that will keep him at the club until the end of 2016.

"We were wanting to take away all time pressure on Jack in his recovery and by extending his contract for one year, he can comfortably know that he will be at Melbourne in 2016," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"We have all been amazed by the resilience that Jack has shown over the years and hope to see him running out on the MCG again."

Jack Trengove declares his season over to take a conservative approach to his foot problem in the hope of enjoying a full pre-season ahead of 2016.

"I saw the surgeon a few weeks ago now and I think it's the end of this season for me," Trengove said.

"We've got time on our side to just get it right and get it as strong as possible.

"Looking to get everything fit and healthy for the start of next pre-season.

"In the whole scheme of things it's not really worth it rushing it and potentially hampering things for the future."

Jack Trengove has passed another milestone on his path to recovery, with his surgeon happy with how the midfielder's troublesome foot is heeling.

The results of scans taken on Monday have cleared the way for Trengove to take another step in his rehabilitation program, with Demons fitness coach Dave Misson telling the club's website the 23-year-old's training load would now increase.

"All is tracking pretty well, as we hoped," Misson said.

"He'll start doing some more loading work through that foot in the coming weeks and months."

Melbourne is hopeful Jack Trengove will receive positive news next Tuesday when the 23-year-old midfielder meets his surgeon for an update on his foot.

"His foot's looking really good and he's walking around out of the (moon) boot, doing a lot of off-legs conditioning and some weights," Melbourne fitness coach Dave Misson said.

"He's staying really positive with things and we hope he gets a good report this week."

Jack Trengove has made encouraging progress as he slowly recovers from the foot injury that has put his career on hold.

The Demons are not putting a time-frame on how long it might take for Trengove to return to playing.

"His latest scan was encouraging, but it's going to be softly, softly," Demons coach Paul Roos said.

"He's now off the crutches, still in the moonboot, but at least he's walking around.

"The next stage is have another scan, get the boot off and maybe put some weight on it."

Jack Trengove posts a photo on social media showing significant muscle loss to his foot that has been protected in a cast.

"If anyone knows the whereabouts of my calf then please contact me. It's been missing for about 8 weeks now," Trengove tweeted along with the photo.

Melbourne coach Paul Roos says he does not expect any fall-out from the club's willingness to trade Jack Trengove to Richmond during the 2014 trade period.

In the suggested deal Richmond was prepared to exchange pick No.12 for Trengove and pick No.23.

Roos spoke to Trengove when the trade was first mooted to see if he would be prepared to consider the switch.

He told him he was a required player but the trade was an option the club was contemplating.

"It was an opportunity that Richmond presented to us," Roos said on Wednesday.

"It wasn't a fire sale. It was a case of, if it was an opportunity for him, he needed to be comfortable with it."

Jack Trengove has full confidence he can return from his latest bout of foot surgery, but he concedes he is unlikely to play in 2015.

Trengove had screws taken out of his troublesome left foot on Wednesday, after it was discovered – during a medical check with Richmond, as the Tigers were pondering a trade for a midfielder – that the foot had not mended properly from the first bout of surgery in April.

This time around, Trengove's surgeon Geoffrey Tymms took a bone graft and some bone marrow from the Demon's hip to ensure the navicular bone heals fully.

Trengove's foot will remain in a cast for the next eight weeks, before he progresses into a moon boot and then turns his attention to a lengthy rehabilitation process.

"I couldn't be more motivated at the moment. I've never really had long-term injuries before, until this one this season," Trengove said.

"I've been pretty fortunate not to miss games and it hurts to not be out there and doing what you love doing.

"I feel as though I'm pretty young, and we may have to sacrifice another season potentially, but at the end of the day I just want to get back fit and healthy and hopefully playing in a couple of years time."

Jack Trengove will meet with Melbourne's medical staff following a fortnight of discussions over how to treat his navicular fracture.

"Jack has spoken to a number of different surgeons about his options," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"He flew to Sydney to meet with another last week. There's certainly been some changes in technology each year and we're looking at all the options.

"From the information I've got, the challenge with naviculars is that there's a lack of blood flow to the bone, which makes it really difficult to heal.

"The options we're looking at are about how to increase the blood flow into that area to allow the bone to heal."

The proposed deal that would have sent Melbourne's Jack Trengove to Richmond has been aborted after he failed a medical examination.

The 23-year-old former skipper's injured foot has not healed as hoped and he may require further surgery on the navicular fracture in his foot in the final year of his contract.

There are also fears for his long-term future in the game given the nature of the injury.

"Unfortunately a scan yesterday, as part of the Richmond medical, has showed another crack in his navicular, which is devastating for Jack and now we do all we can to support him through it," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"He's meeting with the surgeon again today. Hopefully we get a better picture of how bad it is and hopefully some timelines.

"There's a chance for more surgery. It could be a conservative approach. But all those things will be discussed around what is the best for Jack."

Melbourne is considering trading former captain Jack Trengove and pick 23 to Richmond for pick 12.

"We said after our last game to our playing list that we would look at all avenues to improve our list. Richmond came to us with a potential deal, Jack is aware of this and all parties will now take some time to consider our options," a Melbourne spokeperson said.

Jack Trengove has ticked off a major milestone in his journey back from a serious foot injury by discarding his 'moon' boot.

"The first (thing you get rid of) is the crutches, then you get some feeling back in the arms after a while," Trengove said.

"Then to lose the boot as well, you feel like a new man.

"All the little things you take for granted that are taken away from you, but now you get them back.

"It's a huge relief."

Jack Trengove begins working towards his comeback after undergoing successful to repair the navicular bone in his foot.

"No one ever wants to miss large parts of the season, and unfortunately I'm going to have to this time, but now that we've discovered what it is and we can get on top of it," Trengove said.

"I'm looking forward to getting it all behind me so I can focus on playing on footy with none of these issues in the future."

Jack Trengove admits he feels "free" and "relieved" after relinquishing the Demons' captaincy.

"In the pre-season I was feeling free of any pressures or anything like that, I just got back to enjoying footy," Trengove told Channel Nine's The Footy Show.

"There was an element of pressure being relieved. I had a long think about it over the off-season about where I was at as a player and where I wanted to go.

"So much has been harped on about the leadership side of things the last few years and I wasn't even playing the best footy I was capable of playing, that was the real focus going into this year.

"I felt the best thing for me as an individual and the team going forward was to get the best out of myself as a footballer."

Rather than being completely shattered that his season was over, Melbourne midfielder Jack Trengove says he felt some relief when he learned that he had cracked his navicular bone.

It put to rest doubts the No.2 NAB AFL Draft selection and former co-captain was having in his ability to play as he once did.

"To a degree, to get the news that there was something wrong with me [allowed me to] think 'OK, I'm not just losing it'," Trengove said.

"There is a reason, to an extent, why you're not moving the way you have in the past."

Jack Trengove will miss the rest of the season after scans on his left foot revealed a crack in his navicular bone.

The 22-year-old reported soreness after playing for VFL club Casey Scorpions on Sunday and scans confirmed the injury on Monday night.

He will have surgery on Wednesday and faces four months on the sidelines, ending his 2014 campaign after just two matches.

The injury is career-threatening injury but the Demons are confident he will be ready for the start of the 2015 pre-season.

"Jack's attitude has been outstanding this year, particularly in recent weeks whilst playing in the VFL, and for this to happen to him is really unfortunate," football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"Following his game in the VFL on Sunday, he reported some soreness in his left foot and unfortunately the scans confirmed the bad news.

"He is a resilient character. We expect Jack to make a full recovery, and be available for day one of pre-season training."

Former Demon captain Jack Trengove excels for the Casey Scorpions with 25 disposals and a goal after being dropped from the senior side following Melbourne's 93-point loss to West Coast.

Jack Trengove plans to complete a full pre-season after giving his troublesome left foot an extended break over the off-season to recover from a stress fracture.

"My main focus now is to stay fit and healthy and get a full pre-season under my belt," Trengove said.

"Not having a pre-season does really hurt and that's the first time that's happened to me.

"My first two years I got two full pre-seasons under my belt and then last year next to none.

"It probably did show a bit in the way I was running around and looking out there."

Jack Trengove steps down as co-captain of Melbourne after talks with new coach Paul Roos.

"The main focus going forward is obviously showing improvement as a team and getting success for the Melbourne Football Club. The best way that I can individually contribute to this is fulfilling my potential as a player," Trengove said.

"At 22 years of age and entering my fifth year in the game, it is important that I start making big inroads.

"The life lessons and experiences that I have seen over the last two years have been invaluable. There is no doubt they will make me a better player long-term."

With the appointment of new coach Paul Roos, Jack Trengove says he would be willing to relinquish his role as skipper of Melbourne after just two years serving as the youngest captain in AFL history.

"Going forward, if [Roos] said 'we'd rather you had a minor role and not the captaincy', then I'm all for it. I seriously don't mind," Trengove said.

"It's a huge privilege and honour to be the co-captain of the Melbourne Football Club, but I'm a team oriented person and whatever's best for the club, I'm happy to go with."

Melbourne co-captain Jack Trengove says he is dealing well with media reports of his links to the current supplement scandal, but that his parents aren't faring as well.

"It's disappointing when your name's put next to it all and out in the public eye," Trengove said.

"The thing that got to me the most out of it all was how it affected my close family. Mum and Dad being over in Adelaide, you can only say so much over the phone.

"When they're ringing you, worried about you, it affects you to an extent."

Jack Trengove's manager, Adam Ramanauskas, says his client is capable of handling the challenges of captaining arguably the league's worst side in Melbourne despite his youth.

"I can tell you absolutely he is growing into the role," Ramanauskas said.

"It's difficult to be a captain of an AFL club, particularly when the team is struggling, but I've got no doubt Jack will come out on the other side because, firstly, the way he prepares himself as a footballer and the quality of the person."

Jack Trengove hopes to be ready for round one as he recovers from a navicular stress fracture in his left foot.

"My aim is to get back [for round one]. Whether or not that happens, we'll just have to wait and see because it is a day-to-day thing in terms of how it recovers each day after a big session," Trengove said.

"In terms of where the fracture is, it's not in the really bad spot."

Jack Trengove faces a six-week layoff and will need to wear a moon boot after scans revealed a stress fracture in his left foot.

"This is clearly a disappointing setback for Jack," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"We expect Jack to be able to begin his running program in January. His rehab will be continually assessed but at this stage we are hopeful that he'll be available for the start of the AFL season."

Mark Neeld says there is plenty to like about the way Jack Trengove is playing despite his co-captain having a slow start to the season.

"Jack sits number five for disposals - he can certainly increase that - he sits second in the club for tackles, he leads our one percent count, and he is also second on our GPS rating so that stuff says he is working particularly hard," Neeld said.

Demon president Don McLardy says Jack Trengove's form struggles aren't due to the pressures of being co-captain.

"If anyone spent any time with Jack Trengove, you would understand he's an extremely mature young man who I don't think is struggling to cope; I think he knows exactly what's going on," McLardy said.

"Does he need experience in the role? Clearly, yeah. But I think he's taking it head-on and moving forward. His form's probably been middle-of-the-road, but I've got the utmost confidence in Jack."

Jack Trengove says his disappointing form so far this year is not due to the burden of being co-captain of Melbourne.

"Regardless of whether I was captain or not I would be pretty disappointed with my last few performances," Trengove said.

"I would like to be performing at a better level [but] I don't think at any point that has been a reflection of the captaincy being a burden on me. It's been something that has been a great challenge and I am loving every minute of it."

Melbourne captain Jack Trengove has called on supporters to stick with the beleaguered club after three straight losses to start 2012.

"It's not going to change at the click of the fingers but the players and other coaches really believe in what 'Neeldy' is trying to do," Trengove said.

"We feel that if we keep attacking the game as we are and do what 'Neeldy' wants us to do, then we will get there. But it is going to take time."

Melbourne skipper Jack Trengove says he and co-captain Jack Grimes are still learning the ropes as leaders of the club.

"I feel we're up to it, but there are ... times where you need help from everyone because it's a team sport in the end," Trengove said.

"It's all pretty foreign to us, the captaincy thing, because we're both new to it, so it's important we have good people around us ... to guide us along the way."

Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes have been named Melbourne co-captains, with Trengove to become the youngest leader in VFL/AFL history.

"[Trengove and Grimes] have become captains by leading by example," Demons coach Mark Neeld said.

"I only have their actions and behaviours over the last four-and-a-half months to go by, and they've been terrific.

"I expect them to continue to act in that manner, and to grow and develop their leadership skills over time. I've got no doubt that they'll do that really well."

Demon Jack Trengove says him, and the rest of the team, are ready to fill the void left by former teammate Tom Scully.

"The sign of a bad list is if you lose one player you fall over," said Trengove.

"I reckon we've got a great list and blokes who can fill his spot and with the two compensation picks (the club received two picks as compensation for losing Scully) in a few years I'm sure we'll be able to pick up where we left off."

Melbourne's Jack Trengove will remain with the club for at least another four seasons after extending his contract to 2015.

''Trengove is going to become one of the competition's elite,'' Demons list manager Tim Harrington said.

''The fact he's committed long term is a real sign of confidence in the club and he's already setting a standard among his teammates on and off the field.''

Demon Jack Trengove says he assumes teammate Tom Scully will be at the club next season despite being linked with GWS.

"I haven't read into that too much because I just assume he is going to be at the club next year," Trengove said.

"Right from the start I've said you want to build your team around having the best players and he is going to be one of the stars of the competition in years to come. I'm just worried about playing with him as long as I can for my career and hopefully he is at Melbourne."

Melbourne midfielder Jack Trengove will have to serve his three-week suspension for his tackle on Crow Patrick Dangerfield after the Demons failed in their appeal to the suspension overturned.

"I'm still going to go about my footy the same way and tackle with aggression," Trengove said.

"But I suppose if an accident like that happened again then this might happen all over again."

Melbourne players Ricky Petterd, Brad Green, Colin Sylvia, James Frawley, Nathan Jones, and Jack Watts may be questioned by the AFL after using twitter to express their frustrations at teammate Jack Trengove being suspended for three weeks after a reckless tackle on Crow Patrick Dangerfield.

As speculation mounts over the future of teammate Tom Scully, Melbourne midfielder Jack Trengove says he wants to be a one club player for the Demons.

"I'd love to be a one club player, it is a great club to be at," Trengove said.

"So far, since I've been drafted, the club have been fantastic to me and I really feel like I owe them something because they drafted me and went all out for me."

Melbourne young gun Jack Trengove says he plans to resist any advances by Greater Western Sydney and remain at the Demons.

"I've always liked the thought of being a one-club player," Trengove said.

"Melbourne is where my heart is. I've definitely got good family and friends back in South Australia, but since I've been at the club they've been great to me.

"I'd really like to hopefully go one step further and one day win a premiership with the club. Especially with the list that we've got right now, if we keep going the way we are it looks like we could potentially win a flag."

Melbourne midfielder Colin Sylvia says he wishes he had his time over again after witnessing the dedication of his younger teammates Jack Trengove and Tom Scully.

"If I could have anything again, it would be the first three or four years at the club," Sylvia said.

"The impact those two boys have made and the kids that they are, how dedicated they are ... they tick all the boxes.

"If I was half the kid they are, I would have been such a better footballer. It's time lost for me and time wasted in a way."

Jack Trengove earns himself the Round 5 Rising Star nomination after tallying 24 disposals and kicking two goals in a big win over the Brisbane Lions.

Jack Trengove makes his AFL debut for Melbourne at the MCG with 23 disposals (7 kicks and 16 handballs), 2 marks and 2 tackles in a 56-point loss to Hawthorn.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the club will play Tom Scully and Jack Trengove as much as possible this season.

"We're going to play them as much as we can this year and it's great to see these two young fellas put in a fair pre-season, considering where they started. They've worked really hard and they're going to be exciting to watch from this moment onwards," Bailey said.

Melbourne's first two 2009 draft picks, Jack Trengove and Tom Scully, say they are both ready to play in the first round of the NAB Cup.

"From where I was pre-Christmas to where I am now, I've made pretty good progress," Scully said.

"I've been pretty diligent in working with the fitness and weights staff, so I've been trying to get my body as right as possible for this time of the year."

"It's obviously a goal of most of the first year boys to play round one, but I'll have to see how I'm going at that stage," Trengove said.

"If I have to start off at Casey, I really don't mind. I just want to go out and earn a bit of respect from the players and get a few consistent games together later on."

Melbourne has ended months of speculation by selecting Tom Scully first overall in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft ahead of South Australian Jack Trengove.

""It's obviously very exciting at the moment for myself and my family," Scully said.

"It's good to be finally drafted, and I'm really just looking forward to getting down to the club."

"We couldn't split them, unfortunately we were required to call then out one-by-one, but if it was up to me, I'd call both of them out together," Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said.

"I see them both as equals, they're going to really contribute to the Melbourne Football Club. They've got great character, and we look forward to them running out and playing next year."