Port jet Steven Motlop on continuing his family name at Alberton and making his mark on Showdowns
In his first Showdown, Steven Motlop made an instant impact by helping Port Adelaide snap a five-game losing streak to the Crows. The Power jet recaps that moment and continuing his family name at Alberton.
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Steven Motlop’s name is now synonymous with Showdowns, ever since his late sealer in Showdown 44 in 2018.
The goal capped a long journey to the Showdown stage for the former Cat, who grew up a Port Adelaide supporter through watching his brother Daniel don the Power colours.
“I was a Port fan growing up, I was glued to the TV as a kid watching Daniel, as well as watching Byron Pickett and Peter Burgoyne, who was my favourite player,” Motlop told The Advertiser.
“I feel really lucky to be able to play for Port Adelaide.”
Motlop said he felt the stresses of watching Showdowns while growing up as a Power fan.
“Watching from Darwin it was pretty stressful, there’s a lot of Crows and Port fans up in Darwin, there’s a strong supporter base up there,” he said.
“A couple of my mates are Crows fans so we always had the banter, but to be playing in them now is special.”
Motlop was drafted by Geelong with Pick 39 in the 2008 National Draft and played 135 games with the Cats before moving over to the Power.
Despite being linked with the Adelaide Crows, Motlop said a move to West Lakes was never on his agenda.
“I was always going to Port, I had ties with Kenny (Hinkley), so I was always going to Port Adelaide,” he said.
It was a great result for the Power on the Showdown stage, as Motlop’s goal in Showdown 44 snapped a five-game losing streak to their cross-town rival.
“We've got a bit of history and I’m excited to play in such a big game, we know how big it is and I’m excited to play in another Showdown,” he said.
“That goal, to get in the situation I suppose, you want to be able to play footy, and that’s why you play to put yourself in that situation, I was very lucky to be in that situation and kick a goal like that.”
During his time with the Cats, Motlop played in 11 finals and in a number of thrillers against their fierce rival, Hawthorn.
The Power jet said the Hawthorn versus Geelong clashes have a similar atmosphere to Showdowns.
“They definitely have the same feeling, the Easter Monday against Hawthorn or a Showdown, but there’s probably a bit more in the Showdown to be honest,” he said.
“I’m used to the build up of those big games, it’s something our fans love watching.
“Preparing for those big games, I suppose it comes naturally, that’s why you play football and everyone in the AFL can say that as well, you play footy to play in big games to play finals and those pressure moments.”