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Port Adelaide will be playing waiting games on Steven Motlop, Jack Watts during AFL trade period

PORT ADELAIDE’S trade plays need answers from the two key players – Jack Watts and Steven Motlop – coach Ken Hinkley wants to add new scoreboard power to his gameplan.

Steven Motlop reacts after kicking a goal during the second semi-final against Sydney.
Steven Motlop reacts after kicking a goal during the second semi-final against Sydney.

PORT ADELAIDE’S trade plays need answers from the two key players – Jack Watts and Steven Motlop – coach Ken Hinkley wants to add new scoreboard power to his gameplan.

The Power left the opening day of the AFL trade talks at Etihad Stadium with its notepad confirming it has:

THREE players on the move – free agent Jackson Trengove (Western Bulldogs), contracted forward Jarman Impey (Hawthorn) and uncontracted midfielder Brendon Ah Chee (West Coast).

ONE player arriving – Brisbane free-agent midfielder Tom Rockliff, who ready to lodge his paperwork this week.

TWO recruits still weighing up their options and meeting with other suitors – contracted Melbourne key position player Watts and Geelong free-agent forward-midfielder Motlop.

TWO would-be tradees in limbo – uncontracted specialist forward Aaron Young, who has Gold Coast working through other priorities such as Gary Ablett; and contracted ruckman Matthew Lobbe not drawing the anticipated interest from Brisbane.

Jarman Impey of the Power runs with the ball away from Christian Salem of the Demons.
Jarman Impey of the Power runs with the ball away from Christian Salem of the Demons.

Hawthorn left the trade talks convinced it will find the draft pick to appease Port Adelaide to release Impey, who wants to return to his home base in Victoria after his 75 games in four seasons at Alberton.

Hawks list manager Graham Wright confidently declared: “It won’t be a massive amount of trouble to get it done.”

But Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps told The Advertiser last night: “There is still work to be done on the Impey trade. It is important the deal is right for Port Adelaide.

“We’ve only had one discussion.”

Impey chose Hawthorn ahead of the Western Bulldogs for a go-home move on the eve of Monday’s trade talks that close on Thursday week.

“It is really early, so we will keep chatting,” added Cripps.

Port Adelaide will have to wait for Watts, who has already met with Geelong and the Power, to consider his options with Sydney. He also could hold the Demons to the last two years of his current contract.

Jack Watts of the Demons celebrates during the round 23 loss to Collingwood.
Jack Watts of the Demons celebrates during the round 23 loss to Collingwood.

Motlop, 26, also has to consider his $600,000-a-season offer with Adelaide while measuring opportunities at the Power and Gold Coast and staying put at Geelong.

“Jack is to meet Sydney, so our understanding is there will be some decision made this week,” Cripps said.

“Steven Motlop, again, I am under the impression he is meeting with Adelaide and perhaps others ... again, he is one we will not get an answer from until middle or late this week.”

Neither Port Adelaide nor Adelaide made a move on contracted Essendon defender Aaron Francis who is seeking a go-home trade to SA after joining the Bombers as a first-round draftee (No. 6) in 2015.

Essendon football chief Rob Kerr left the first day of trade talks still expecting to keep Francis, 20, despite strong personal reasons to return to SA.

“At the moment, the Adelaide clubs are focusing on other things,” Kerr said.

“Something may come up later, but at the moment it looks like Aaron will be staying with us which we are pleased about. But it is early days.

“We are sympathetic to Aaron’s situation,” added Kerr.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/teams/port-adelaide/port-adelaide-will-be-playing-waiting-games-on-steven-motlop-jack-watts-during-afl-trade-period/news-story/31535f13e275b2485be473dc79b6767e