JACK Trengove says it was “huge” to run out on the MCG again – his first game since June 19 last year – after he played in Melbourne’s 23-point win over Port Adelaide on Saturday.

The popular Melbourne figure had 16 disposals upon his return and displayed some encouraging signs. For the former co-captain, whose career has been hampered by a serious foot injury, he was simply pleased to be donning the red and blue again at the highest level.  

“It was just great to be back part of it again. It’s probably been over 12 months since I played a game,” Trengove told Melbourne TV.

“I was a little bit nervous, but it’s one of those ones that as soon as you get to the ‘G and do the warm-up and get amongst the boys – you build yourself up for the game. As soon as the siren goes, you’re away and into it.

“It was a huge game for us as a team. To come out and start the way we did, and really put them under the pump early – then they threw everything at us in the second half and we were able to hold on. This is what footy’s about – winning the big games and we certainly did that today.”

Trengove said he was humbled by the applause from the Melbourne faithful when he ran onto the ground, after starting the match on the bench.

“You block that out a little bit. I heard a bit as I was running out, but the ball fell my way pretty quick afterwards, so you can’t really listen to the crowd,” he said.

“It’s great that the fans are still supportive of me and I’m hoping to prove to them that I’m still more than capable to play at this level and forge a great career ahead.”

Although Trengove wasn’t entirely happy with his game, he said he slipped into the team with relative ease.

“It’s a lot easier in this system to just come in and play well. Playing in the backline, they’re all helping each other out and playing well together. The way that we’re playing now is a real team game,” he said.

“I just tried to fit in where I could and do my part. There are some little areas that I need to improve on, but hopefully we can sit down and review them and improve them going forward.”

Now the utility is determined to back up and remain part of the club’s charge towards the end of the season.

“This season has been one of those weird ones where every week is really important and that’s why it was a huge win for us today to beat a top eight side,” he said.

“We’ve got a few big ones ahead and a few away games, so hopefully we can reassess after this game and keep going again, because you can’t slip up at all in this comp.

“We want to play finals footy, so we’ve got to keep winning.”