Port Adelaide defender Jackson Trengove says the Power's younger players have formed a pact to lead the club forward after a horror 2011 season.

His comments come after teammate Travis Boak declared himself off-limits to rival clubs.

Boak's declaration is the latest example of a refreshed faith from young players in the historic club.

"I think you saw probably at the end of last year there was five or six blokes the club was trying to get on board right away and as soon as one jumped on board the rest were on board," Trengove said.

"Everyone says we're in dire straits and we're struggling, but this club has a massive future ahead of it."

Both Trengove and Boak spruiked the club's rich heritage and tradition as elements crucial in creating an environment in which they want to play.

"I suppose you don't really realise the history of this club until you come over here," Trengove said.

"I moved over from Melbourne and the passion and support that this club has from its supporters and players and past players and support staff, it just goes on and on and on.

"We've got a great group, nice and young, and you can sort of sense where we're going."

The Power's youth have excited supporters, players and coaches alike in this season's NAB Cup; last Saturday's five-point loss to West Coast a definite highlight.

The club decided to rest a host of their more experienced players for the clash, and the youngsters nearly stole an unlikely win.

"It's exciting for players like myself and a lot of the older players onwards for a lot of these younger boys that are coming in, and not just coming in and making up numbers, they're coming in to play footy and compete and do well for the footy club," Trengove said.

The 21-year-old singled out the likes of ruckman Jarrad Redden, exciting no. 6 NAB AFL Draft pick Chad Wingard and Aaron Young as players ready to take a huge step in 2012.

"They went well on the weekend against a quality opposition," he said.

"(West Coast) had a lot of guns in there with Kerr and Cox. They had a terrific lineup and to only go down by five points, these blokes are showing that they mean business and that they actually want to play in the number one side."

Trengove, who missed last week’s game, said competition for spots is as fierce as he can remember and that intensity and competitiveness at training was at the highest point he's seen.

"We did take a young squad over there (to face West Coast) but the way they performed it's going to be tough to get back in," Trengove said.

"It's exciting where we are, we're enjoying training, we're enjoying our weights, we're enjoying what we're doing so we just want to get out there and really do our best and compete for our supporters and ourselves.

"We just want to play competitive footy and if we can do that, with the players we've got, we think we can go really well."

Harry Thring covers Port Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry

Toyota AFL Dream Team is the only fantasy football competition where you can follow the scores LIVE during the NAB Cup. Register your team and see how your players are shaping up before the start of the Toyota Premiership Season.