Jackson Trengove began a new chapter in his AFL career at the Western Bulldogs in 2018.

The 27-year-old arrived at the Club in the off-season as one of three free agency/trade period signings, following 153 games for Port Adelaide.

Despite missing some time with a scapula injury, Trengove put together 18 games in his first season at the Kennel and showed his versatility across all three lines.

“All my family and friends were back home so that transition to move back to Melbourne to live was pretty easy,” Trengove told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“Joining a different football club was probably surprisingly easy for me.  I was really nervous about coming to a new club and meeting new players, but the boys were super embracing – making us feel really welcome.  The coaching staff have done the same thing.  It’s been an easy transition.”

Trengove’s versatility was one of the main reasons the Dogs lured him to VU Whitten Oval, with his ability to play all over the ground fitting with senior coach Luke Beveridge's playing philosophy.

“In the pre-season and before I played any footy, after having conversations with Bevo it was pretty clear I was going to be playing mainly in a ruck/forward role,” he said.

“We knew that if something happened, I’d be able to fix a few holes.  I’ve probably done that throughout my whole career.”

Trengove also got an opportunity to play in defence – as the Dogs were dealt injuries to key personnel for a large part of the season.

“I felt comfortable playing down back, and the boys down there were terrific.  At the same time, I really enjoyed getting into the midfield and the goal was always to stay in there and keep playing some good footy.”

Trengove, who turns 28 in November, is one of the Dogs’ most senior players and is confident that the playing experience the young list has gained this year will be invaluable as they head into next season and beyond.

“You see how many different players we’ve played this year and you really see the development of some of the young kids and some of the talent we’ve got on the list,” he said.

“I think that’s the most exciting thing and probably one of the real positives we’ve got out of this season.  I think we’re really starting to gel as a group, and the more games we’re able to play with that consistency within the group, the better we’re going to be able to become.

“You can really see what we’re building and what is going to evolve over the next few years.  I think for me, being a little bit older, that’s probably the most exciting thing.”