Power calls on defence back-up

Jackson Trengove, left, will miss a month of training after jarring a knee at training on Monday. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Limited

JACKSON Trengove's knee injury has opened the door for emerging Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey to present his case for selection during the preseason competition.

Clurey has taken giant strides over summer but faced an uphill battle to force his way into a Port backline which became quite settled last season.

But with Trengove expected to miss at least a month after jarring his knee at training on Monday, Clurey - and fellow defender Jack Hombsch - have an opportunity to show what they can do.

"These guys have been training all preseason on our key forwards - Schulz, Westhoff and Butcher (and) they've been learning," Port defensive coach Matthew Nick said.

"This is an opportunity for them now in the next four weeks ... to show what they've got.

"Hombsch has already shown he's definitely got the ability at the level. Clurey is a young up and coming player but I'm sure if given the opportunity he'd stand up."

Clurey, who turns 21 a week after Port's opening round clash against Carlton, has progressed quietly at Glenelg in the SANFL since being taken with pick 29 in the 2012 AFL Draft.

An elite runner who ran a 15.1 beep test and 10 minute 3km time trial at draft camp, he's now put on the size needed to wrestle with the competition's power forwards.

"I think size-wise there's no issue," Nicks said.

"What we're working on is that aggression.

"Sometimes with these younger kids there's not that aggression there that they need to play in that key position.

"As far as weight goes and strength - he's throwing around some huge weights in the gym. So there's no issue from a strength point of view it's more of a mindset. Has he got that mindset to be aggressive enough on a key forward like a Schulz for example."

Trengove landed awkwardly while attempting to take a mark at training on Monday.

Port initially feared he'd done significant damage but scans revealed only bruising to the knee.

Nicks said Trengove was hopeful of returning for the club's final trial game against St Kilda and should be ready for round one.

"In the wash up it's not as bad as what we initially thought," he said.

"He's very important to us ... if we can get him back ready to go for the season it will be a positive."

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