Geelong recruit Steven Motlop aimed for goal to win the Showdown after not knowing the score - nor time on clock

ONE of Port Adelaide’s big recruits from the October AFL market - Steven Motlop - paid back the Power’s investment with a match-winning goal in the Showdown.

Steven Motlop celebrates his winning goal. Picture: SARAH REED Showdown 44's dramatic finish

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SHOWDOWN matchwinner Steven Motlop did not know what score was needed to avoid another derby defeat - nor how much time he had - as he sized up the northern goals at Adelaide Oval to launch the kick that announces his arrival at Port Adelaide.

“I was unsure how long was left,” said Motlop of the winning kick that stopped the time clock at 21 seconds to play - and with the scoreboard showing the Power five points up.

“I knew it was under a minute ... and, to be honest, I thought we were down by more than a point.

Steven Motlop after kicking the winning goal. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I wasn’t thinking about making sure I got a least a point to draw the game. I just tried to kick a goal.

“What a first Showdown for me,” added Motlop, one of the prime recruits the Power gathered in October’s AFL trade market.

“If that is what a Showdown is about, I am looking forward to plenty more.”

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley described Motlop’s goal - his only goal in the derby - as the moment that will make the former Cat feel he belongs at Alberton after 135 games in eight seasons at Geelong.

“It was great,” said Motlop of the kick that sunk the Crows with 21 seconds to play in the dramatic finish to Showdown 44. “It was great to do it for the fans - and to bounce back after last week’s performance (in Perth with an insipid effort during the 42-point loss to West Coast).

Steven Motlop is congratulated by Sam Powell-Pepper after the kick. Picture: Sarah Reed

Steven Motlop tackles Crow Jordan Gallucci. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

In reliving the dramatic finish, Motlop said: “You have to stay composed in those situations.

“The Crows put numbers behind the ball (to protect the one-point lead with 42 seconds to play) and you have to even that up somehow - and create a scoring opportunity.

“I went forward and we got the ball forward (from the centre bounce). Sam Gray was really clean in his pick-up ... and the rest just happens.

“It is a pretty special moment - and the crowd was amazing as well. I don’t think I’ve heard a crowd that has been that loud in my whole career. So it was great to get it done for them.”

Motlop was one of the Power’s three major signings in the off-season, along with former Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff and Melbourne forward Jack Watts. Hinkley made special mention of all three after the Showdown that levelled the derby ledger at 22-22.

“It’s a significant (goal); he belongs (with that moment),” Hinkley said of Motlop.

“Tom Rockliff was outstanding, enormous. That’s why we brought them to the club - to put scoring threats in scoring space.”

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Originally published as Geelong recruit Steven Motlop aimed for goal to win the Showdown after not knowing the score - nor time on clock