Trengove, who recently relinquished the Demons' co-captaincy to focus on his own football, had a limited program leading into the 2013 season after the foot injury was discovered in December.
Although he was reluctant to make excuses, his form suffered significantly and he finished the season with career-low clearance, inside 50 and contested possession totals from his 20 games.
The 22-year-old said reducing the workload on his foot over the players' break had helped and he hadn't missed a beat since returning.
"My main focus now is to stay fit and healthy and get a full pre-season under my belt," Trengove said on Wednesday.
"Not having a pre-season does really hurt and that's the first time that's happened to me.
"My first two years I got two full pre-seasons under my belt and then last year next to none.
"It probably did show a bit in the way I was running around and looking out there."
Jack Viney was another young midfielder to suffer foot problems through 2013, but an extended rest over the break has helped the 19-year-old attack his second pre-season in good shape.
Key forward Mitch Clark, meanwhile, has returned ahead of schedule and impressed in the running drills after a serious foot injury cast doubts over his immediate future.
After being made the youngest captain in the game's history, Trengove said he had no regrets taking on the responsibility and he would jump at leadership opportunities in the future.
His priority now, however, is to reach his potential as a player.
"I think putting a bit more focus on myself, it's not going to change the way I approach things in terms of leadership and leading the way," he said.
"The thing that came out of the decision was that the best thing for the club and myself at the moment is just me fulfilling my full potential as a player.
"I feel as though over the last few years I haven't played up to the potential I think I'm capable of.
"The amount of things I've learned over the last two years are going to be invaluable for me as a player."
After employing Leading Teams under new coach Paul Roos, the Demons will vote on their captain, with Jack Grimes expressing his willingness to stay in the role.
Trengove said Roos had brought "an aura of confidence" to the club and the young players were hanging off the premiership coach's every word.
