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Geelong free-agent Steven Motlop joins Tom Rockliff in making the move to Port Adelaide

PORT Adelaide’s free-agency raid has netted Steven Motlop to go with Tom Rockliff. And Demon Jack Watts is next in its sights.

Geelong free-agent midfielder-forward Steven Motlop has joined Port Adelaide along with Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff in a successful strategic play by the Power. Picture: Julian Smith.
Geelong free-agent midfielder-forward Steven Motlop has joined Port Adelaide along with Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff in a successful strategic play by the Power. Picture: Julian Smith.

STEVEN MOTLOP is joining Port Adelaide. The Geelong free-agent forward-midfielder has taken up his free-agency rights with a four-year deal with the Power.

And Port Adelaide did not have to match higher-salary offers from Motlop’s other suitors, Gold Coast and Adelaide.

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Motlop, 26, is a restricted free agent, leaving Geelong with three days to equal Port Adelaide’s offer or accept a compensation draft pick for the 135-game Cat.

Motlop becomes the Power’s second major gain — with Brisbane free-agent midfielder Tom Rockliff — in this trade period.

Steven Motlop will join Chad Wingard at the Power next year.
Steven Motlop will join Chad Wingard at the Power next year.

Port Adelaide football chief Chris Davies told The Advertiser: “We are pleased Steven has chosen us.

“Obviously, we showed strong interest in Steven across the trade period and are delighted he saw his future at the Port Adelaide Football Club.

“We do respect Geelong has its right to consider its options with restricted free agency.”

Port Adelaide remains eager to also sign contracted Melbourne key position player Jack Watts in a strategic move to increase its power in the midfield and to hit the scoreboard. The Power does not expect a decision from Watts, who also has Sydney seeking his services, to make a decision until next week.

Motlop’s move to Port Adelaide complicates Adelaide’s wish to cover the potential loss of contracted forward-midfielder Charlie Cameron to Brisbane in this trade period.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/port-adelaide/geelong-freeagent-steven-motlop-joins-tom-rockliff-in-making-the-move-to-port-adelaide/news-story/dafe88ff8cf49b69c4abf4b7bbff6c11