A BENTLEY is a finely crafted luxury automobile, but Carlton coach Brett Ratten wants his Bentley - Greg that is - to be more of a mud-spattered ute with a bull bar on the front.

And that’s just fine by the former Power utility who doesn't mind getting his hands dirty while he tries to make the most of his second chance at Visy Park.

"Carlton has a strong midfield, but I think I can bring something a bit different into the mix," Bentley says.

"Ratts wants me to be more in-and-under, more of a defensive player in the midfield set-up. That's what they expect and I'm happy to play that role. I'm comfortable with that and I feel like I fit into that structure pretty well.

"It's been an okay start and I'm looking to build on what I've done so far. I've just been aiming to play well every time I get a chance."

Bentley hasn't looked out of place in his NAB Cup appearances and is hopeful that will help him earn one of the nominated rookie spots up for grabs or even elevation to the senior list down the track.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a solid preparation having started pre-season training with the Blues soon after the main group kicked off the summer campaign. He's been free to train hard safe in the knowledge that the club were going to select him in the rookie draft which he feels has eased his transition.

"I've been impressed with the way the guys go about it in terms of preparation and recovery," he says.

"There's a fair bit of player drive there. The players really take it upon themselves to keep improving from the younger guys right the way through."

Bentley managed 21 games in three years at Port Adelaide and had just put in arguably the best performance of his career – a 21-disposal effort against St Kilda in round 18 last year - when he was dropped and subsequently delisted.

"I felt like I was still improving and had plenty of room to grow, so it was disappointing," he recalls.

"I didn't get a whole lot of notification. I thought I played well in my last game, but I was told that they just wanted to see a few more people play which was fine, but [to then get delisted] was disappointing.

"I was moved around a fair bit there, so I did find it hard to settle into a position. I'd be in for a few games and then out so that made it difficult to cement a spot.

"But it was a good experience for me and I did enjoy my time there. I still speak to a few mates I met there and I still view my time there as a bit of an achievement."