MOTLOP MAKES AN IMPACT
PORT Adelaide’s Plan A for the fresh AFL season worked to perfection as its high-profile recruits fired in a 50-point victory against Fremantle.
Territorian Steven Motlop, Jack Watts and Tom Rockliff all goaled early in their Port debut in yesterday’s emphatic 16.14 (110) to 9.6 (60) win. Emerging Power forward Todd Marshall kicked four goals, with Watts booting three, and Motlop and Chad Wingard, two each at Adelaide Oval.
The oft-maligned Watts (20 disposals, seven marks) snapped the first goal of the game and was instantly adopted by Port’s 38,324-strong crowd.
Three minutes later, ex-Cat Motlop (19 touches) sped away to convert a rousing goal on the run.
And when Rockliff, in his subdued 12-disposal Power debut, goaled 15 minutes into the second term Port was in the midst of crafting a defining 38-point lead.
Five-gamer Riley Bonner (31 touches) and captain Travis Boak were outstanding but Freo rallied with three late goals to sneak within 21 points at halftime.
The Dockers never got that close again as Marshall highlighted his fourth AFL game with four second-half goals, ensuring the visitors were road-kill.
The 19-year-old Marshall and teammate Charlie Dixon will be scrutinised for late hits on Fremantle players in the opening 13 minutes.
Port’s Justin Westhoff was superb with 25 disposals, nine marks and nine tackles.
Dockers onballer Lachie Neale collected a game-high 38 disposals and captain Nat Fyfe was solid.