Daniel Motlop

D .O.B:    
16 March 1982
Club:    
Port Adelaide
Honours:  
2000 National Draft Pick No. 8 (Kangaroos)
2001 AFL Debut
2003 NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee
2005 Traded to Port Adelaide
2007 AFL Grand Final (Runners Up)
2008 Dream Team
2008 International Rules Series
2008 Club Leading Goal Kicker

Originally from the Wanderers in the Northern Territory, Daniel was first recruited by North Melbourne in 2000 as a fast and dangerous forward pocket. There was no doubting that Daniel had a lot of talent, which he showed in his 2004 season where he was able to be utilised by the Kangaroos in a forward pocket role, kicking 34 goals for the season.

Unfortunately, in 2005 Daniel managed only 3 games due to a shoulder reconstruction and ongoing hamstring problems that required surgery.

In his first season with the Power he showed glimpses of his incredible talent, playing the first 7 matches before once again undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury that put an end to his 2006 season.

2007 was close to injury-free for Daniel and he showed that when fit and firing he can be one of the league’s classiest forwards. He kicked 44 goals from 18 games to finish second in Port's goalkicking and came tenth in the Best & Fairest. Motlop was also an integral part of the Power's finals campaign and was a member of the losing Grand Final side.

Daniel was one of the few Power players who took their game to a new level in 2008. Motlop was the club’s leading goalkicker with a career-high 57 and recorded his highest finish in the Best and Fairest (third).

Motlop was off to a terrific start to the 2009 season, before injuring himself during their round 12 clash against the Bulldogs. Motlop was sidelined for eight weeks after having a pin inserted in his fractured left ankle, as a result of being kicked. He returned in round 21 but re-injured his ankle and had to sit out for the remainder of the season.

The mid-sized forward is strong overhead and one of the most miraculous goalsneaks in the League when the ball hits the ground. Illustrating his dedication to the club, Motlop has re-signed until the end of 2011.