The Western Bulldogs’ key position stocks have been bolstered on the first day of free agency with the signing of versatile Port Adelaide tall Jackson Trengove to a three-year deal on Friday.

Trengove joins the club as a free agent after eight seasons at Alberton.

Speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au Trengove said family and the opportunity to play with a young and exciting team were at the heart of his decision to join the Club.

“Obviously it’s a big change after so long at Port Adelaide but coming back home I’m going to be around family and friends and I’m really excited about the football club and what the future holds,” he said.

“I just see the Bulldogs as the perfect fit for me. I think I can add a lot to the group and I think we’ll be back up and hopefully playing finals again next year.”

The versatile 26-year-old kicked 17 goals in 19 games for the Power in 2017 playing as both a forward, a defender and at times pinch hitting in the ruck.

Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney said Trengove’s leadership, competitiveness and versatility were key to luring the 26-year-old back to Melbourne after 153 games for Port Adelaide.

“Obviously the role he can play; he’s played a lot of footy as a key defender and he’s shown the capability to perform a different role in the ruck,” he said.

“So we’re excited by the versatility, but he’s such a great club person, he’s got good leadership qualities and he’s extremely competitive and that’s going to really complement our group as well.”

The former Calder Cannon debuted in Round 1, 2010 against North Melbourne after being taken with the 22nd pick of the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.