Steven Motlop is running - and running hard.
The GPS readings would portray the 30-year-old midfielder-forward as a marathon man, tellingly working both ends of the field. The tracker from Saturday night's win against Hawthorn recorded Motlop spent 54 per cent of the match in the forward half, 46 per cent behind centre.
The meaningful reading this week is a significant milestone - Motlop's 200th AFL game, a count made up of 135 at Geelong from 2010 and the other 65 at Port Adelaide since 2018.
"It's a long time coming," Motlop said of the game counter reading approaching 200. "Thirteen years ... with a lot of hard work and sacrifices. It is something I am really proud of ... to play that many games. And really lucky."
Motlop - after being drafted to Geelong at No.39 in the 2008 AFL national draft - finally followed his older brother Daniel's footsteps to Alberton as a restricted free agent at the end of the 2017 season.
Port Adelaide's heavy bidding for Motlop - with intown rival Adelaide also keen in the free-agency market - had an immediate pay-off during Motlop's first Showdown, the 44th derby played early in the 2018 season.
With 21 seconds on the clock - and with Adelaide leading by one point after Crows forwards Eddie Betts, Taylor Walker and Mitch McGovern completed a three-goal run that wiped out an 18-point lead - Motlop kicked the winning goal ... and ended a five-game losing streak in Showdowns.
Motlop's celebration - running across the northern end of Adelaide Oval with arms outstretched - is one of the iconic images of the derby.
Speaking of his reflections across 199 AFL games, Motlop said at Alberton on Monday: "I am really fortunate that I have played at a couple of very good clubs with great people. I have made a lot of good friends along the way - and it is something I am really proud of to play for Geelong and Port Adelaide.
"The relationships I have made with team-mates and people in the footy club (stand out); I have met a lot of good people along the way.
"The Showdown winner was alright ..."
Motlop paid tribute to Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley noting he has a "strong relationship" built on strong support from Hinkley.
Motlop was part of a heavy raid by Port Adelaide in the free agency market that also secured Melbourne No.1 draftee Jack Watts and former Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff. Since taking residence with the No.6 locker at Alberton, Motlop has played 21 of a possible 22 games in 2018, 14 of 22 in 2019, 14 of 19 last year and all 15 this season.
The chart - with marathon running numbers - shows Motlop being more durable and more reliable.
"I have just been trying to concentrate on this season," said the out-of-contract Motlop who has not played against Melbourne since the opening round of the 2019 season. "I am just trying to get through week by week.
"The body is really good. I try to keep on top of it by doing all the prep - and I do a lot, so the body is good at the moment.
"The game is always changing and you just have to adapt, by always being ready to change. That is the good thing about footy, it is challenging. It is always changing and that is why I love playing so much.
"I just want to keep playing consistent footy; train hard and support my team-mates and have some fun.
"I am just playing my role, that high forward role that can be a little bit dry at times - it is a tough role but I am really enjoying it and I love coming into the club to work hard. It is very special."
Port Adelaide will host second-ranked Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night when Motlop will hope his impressive record against the Demons - 7-1 win-loss record - will be extended to strengthen his team's claims to a top-fourth berth to the AFL finals.
"We have a really connected group and I am really loving playing at the moment; I have made some strong friendships here," said Motlop of the fourth-ranked Port Adelaide team that has an 11-4 record on the back of the 34-point win against Hawthorn.
"We played pretty well. Three quarters ... the contested game was good. Forwards played well - it was a good game.
"Melbourne is a benchmark and their contested game is strong - and that is where it is going to be won. It is another challenge for us and one we are ready for."
There will be one forced change by the loss of young midfielder Kane Farrell with anterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee. The successful return of Zak Butters (ankle and knee) to competitive football in the SANFL on Saturday leaves a tempting call at match committee during a shortened week
"Zak went really well - and he is really important to our side, sometime it’ll be good to get him back," Motlop said. "Hopefully, this week ...
"It is unfortunate for Kane who was stringing a good season together. The boys will be around supporting him. For any young player to have that happen (is tough), but we will support him; we will look after him.
"We've seen guys come back - Robbie Gray has come back really strong from knee injuries and Kane can lean on Robbie to learn."
Motlop reported midfielder Xavier Duursma (knee) has returned to full training and could be back to competitive football this week, following Butters through the SANFL.
"It is exciting to get these guys back," Motlop said. "And important."
