Another Motlop makes a debut in the WAFL, and he does the Rioli name proud in No.49, kicks two

From one famous Northern Territory family to another, Jesse Motlop did the No.49 South Fremantle jumper proud in his senior WAFL debut.

Jesse Motlop celebrates his first senior WAFL goal with teammates. Picture: Michael Farnell/WAFL

FROM one famous Northern Territory family to another, Jesse Motlop did the No.49 South Fremantle jumper proud in his senior WAFL debut last Saturday.

The Fremantle Next Generation Academy talent and AFL draft fancy booted two goals from 13 disposals and six marks as the reigning premiers beat Swan Districts at Steel Blue Oval to announce himself as a future star.

Motlop said it was “pretty special” to be given the number made famous by the late Maurice Rioli, a champion midfielder who played 168 games in the red and white including the 1980 premiership and won a pair of Simpson Medals.

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It wasn’t the first time the son of ex-Port Adelaide and North Melbourne forward Daniel got to wear it, dating back to his early days at the club when he learned just how significant it was.

“It was pretty special, obviously Maurice Rioli wore it at South Fremantle and the Riolis are a big name from the NT,” Motlop said.

“To have that connection over here in WA is awesome. When I first went into the South Fremantle development squads, I was given the number 49 and they gave me a little bit of background about it.

“I wasn’t too familiar with it at the same but they told me how special a player Maurice was, so it’s just an awesome number to have and to wear it in my league debut was pretty special.”

The 17-year-old, who followed his great uncles Mark and Paul’s footsteps at South Fremantle, came into the side for another Rioli, premiership hero Ben who was sidelined with a minor ankle injury.

Ben presented him with his jumper, with Motlop hopeful the two will play together at some point.

Jesse Motlop celebrates his first goal on debut for South Fremantle. Picture: Michael Farnell/WAFL

“I think I actually came in for him so it was a good opportunity for me but I would’ve loved to have played with Benny,” Motlop said.

“Especially up forward as well, we could’ve kicked a few goals together. He’s an awesome mentor, Benny. He looks out for me, even from my first senior training session he’s always guided me and taken me with him.

“We’ve got a pretty good connection from the Darwin bond and he’s been awesome for me.”

Motlop said his nerves “went from 0-100” ahead of his debut but were calmed by the senior players around him.

Both of his goals came in the third quarter, including a long-range set shot to get off the mark.

“I was originally thinking I was going to pass it off because I was too far out but Nick Suban told me to go for it,” Motlop recalled.

“I was going to pop it to the square but lucky enough the breeze took it. Suban and ‘Scooter’ (Haiden Schloithe) came straight over and congratulated me, they were the ones that handed me my goals as well.

“It’s obviously a huge step up from PSA and colts footy, it’s pretty ridiculous how clean everyone is with their skills, even on a wet and muddy day.

“I played reserves the week before which helped me get used to the bigger bodies and physicality but there’s a massive difference in the skills and it moves a lot faster as well.”

Jesse Motlop before kicking his first league goal for South Fremantle. Picture: Michael Farnell/WAFL

The silky-skilled forward/midfielder was the second Aquinas College student in as many weeks to get a league debut, following on from his skipper Corey Warner at East Fremantle.

The pair have been a big reason part of the school’s success this season as the Quinten Lynch-coached side looks to lift the Alcock Cup for the first time since 2018.

“He’s a hard worker Corey so he’s really deserving on his debut and I heard he played that wing role well,” Motlop said.

“Corey and I might miss a few games with State 19s duties but there’s so much depth with guys like Michael Sellwood and Roan O’Hehir running around and Lachlan Turley and Mitch Sinnott who were in the 19s trial game earlier in the year.

“We’ve got great depth and although we’re not tied with Scotch yet, we’re in a good position to go all the way and hopefully win it outright.”

Motlop was unsure whether he would get a second league game against Subiaco at Leederville Oval on Sunday.