Power a potential suitor

PORT ADELAIDE has emerged as a possible new home for out-of-form Geelong playmaker Steven Motlop as he attempts to overcome a nagging groin injury.

Port has a strong connection with Motlop — a free agent at season’s end — through senior coach Ken Hinkley, a former Geelong assistant coach and is looking to bolster its midfield stocks in the exchange period as part of a sustained premiership push.

But the Power is yet to make a final decision on Motlop, 26, and will continue to assess his form in his comeback from his latest groin injury.

Port Adelaide’s list management team, led by Jason Cripps, has been monitoring Motlop. Geelong remains confident the Northern Territory product can play a role in the upcoming finals series.

He would almost certainly have to take a pay cut to find a new home next season.

Motlop signed a lucrative deal worth about $600,000 during a career-best season in 2015, but his form has waned over the past two seasons.

If he leaves as a free agent, the most Geelong can hope to receive in compensation is a second-round draft pick.

Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes said last year Motlop should seek a fresh start.

“You feel like he needs a change of scenery to get the best out of his unbelievable ability,” Cornes said.

Geelong great Cameron Ling said Motlop was disappointing in the finals last year, including a 13-possession effort in a losing preliminary final.

“Unfortunately Steve Motlop has let Chris Scott down with the game he played,” Ling said.