Enigmatic utility Steven Motlop is finally primed to leave a lasting AFL imprint at Port Adelaide, teammate Tom Rockliff says.
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Motlop was recruited along with Rockliff for the 2018 season but the ex-Geelong speedster has struggled to maintain selection in the Power side.
But after Motlop's three goals and 21 disposals in a preseason win against the Lions on Sunday, Rockliff says the exciting winger is ripe to lock down a spot.
"He has had an outstanding summer," Rockliff told reporters on Monday.
"His running capacity is unbelievable - he covers the ground at high speed, he gets to a lot of contests.
"There were passages of play yesterday where he was in defensive 50 and then he'd turn up inside 50 in the same chain of play.
"Not many players can go with him when he's up and about and running and getting to contests; his ball use is sensational as well."
Port dumped Motlop for the last five rounds last season amid inconsistency which plagued his eight seasons at the Cats.
"He would probably admit himself that he wasn't at the level he wanted to be last year," Rockiff said.
"But he has set himself up with an outstanding summer and if he can play like yesterday, he will trouble a fair few oppositions."
Rockliff was also heartened by key forward Charlie Dixon kicking 4.3 against renowned Lions defender Harris Andrews.
"He's in a really good place at the moment, really happy off the field as well which no doubt helps him on-field," he said.
"Seven shots on goal on an All Australian defender from last year ... we can't wait to see what he can do this year."
Australian Associated Press
