It was no secret that the Port Adelaide Power has been on the prowl for players to shore up its list, given that the Power did not have quite enough of themselves to make it to the line in the 2017 AFL Premiership competition.
They were willing to surrender pick 19 of the national draft to the Geelong Cats in exchange for restricted free agent Steven Motlop.
That would seem to be a windfall from the Cats. They decided not to match Port’s offer for Motlop, as they believe a fresh face can offer either an immediate or a long-term impact on a Cats’ side that is already top-four material for 2018.
Port is going to give Motlop $500,000 per year for the next four years, which made it necessary to ship a first, rather than a second round, pick to the Cats.
The size of the Motlop contract has put Geelong in the them-bird seat in the race for forward Jack Watts of the Melbourne Demons, as the Cats hold two picks that Melbourne would gladly accept for Watts.
Motlop has family in Adelaide, making us think that if we were he and newly minted with a fat contract, we would do everything in our power to find some place farther away, rather than nearer too, family.
“It was a difficult decision to leave Geelong,” Motlop told the club website.“I spent nine great years there and they were fantastic for my footy and a great support for me and my family.
The Power will receive a proven entity with Motlop. He was a reliable fixture for the Cats over the past six seasons, playing in at least 20 games in every season save 2014, where he still managed to make 17 appearances.
In his 135 games for the Cats, he has kicked 175 goals, so he will bring both boots and a veteran presence to the Power.
