PORT Adelaide Forward, Daniel Motlop, says his team-mates are working together to position themselves for a strong response to Saturday’s shock loss to the Gold Coast Suns.
The Power takes on North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, giving the side an opportunity to bounce back from an unexpected defeat.
“We’ve just got to get ourselves back up for it,” Motlop said.
Motlop said his team-mates are shattered at letting a 40-point lead slip, giving the Suns an historic first victory in the AFL.
“We’re a good enough side to win games and to make the eight, but we’ve just got to make sure we play four quarters and we probably played three, maybe two-and-a-half, on the weekend and it hurt us.”
Motlop - who kicked four goals in Saturday’s effort - says he’s encouraged by his form, but knows he needs to keep improving.
“I got lucky. I got on the end of a few goals and dished a couple out. Hopefully, it can be like that every week. But as far as the result, it’s not good enough and we didn’t win so you don’t rate it up.”
While he’s been praised for playing what some observers see as more team-based football, the 29 year-old doesn’t believe his game has changed.
“I don’t think I’ve actually changed as a player. I’ve always done the same things. Obviously I’m criticised. I can’t make everyone happy. I’m going to just keep doing what I’m doing and what I’ve done for the last ten years.”
Motlop - who’s now played 73 games at Port Adelaide - says he’s learned a valuable lesson after being overlooked for selection at the start of the season, for failing to meet rehabilitation standards.
“I was just disappointed in myself and I disappointed my team mates. I got dropped from the team and I wasn’t doing everything right. But I knew I was good enough to play AFL. I’d played good scratch-matches in the preseason and once I got game time, I knew I could play good AFL footy.
“Obviously I was … pretty angry at myself get dropped because I was in the starting 18 every week and did get dropped. To get dropped and have to start again was disappointing.
“It’s shown that’s not going to be copped around here. For us to get better we have to be doing everything right.”
“To play AFL these days, with the sub rule, it’s a hard game and players - if they’re not doing everything right in terms of rehab and that sort of thing - you’re not going to play all the time. It’s just that hard.”
Despite having thoughts of seeking a change of club at the end of last season, Motlop says he’s pleased to be continuing his career at Alberton.
“I knew I was good enough to play AFL footy wherever I was. I’m here at Port Adelaide now, and I’m playing some OK footy, not my best footy, but I haven’t played a lot of games in the last two years due to injury and other off-field issues, but I’ll get back to my best I think.”
