PORT ADELAIDE forward Robbie Gray has backed teammate Steven Motlop to bounce back from his omission from the AFL side and return to his best game-breaking football.
Motlop will feature for the club’s SANFL side on Thursday night against Norwood after a quiet start to the season in the AFL.
It’ll be the first time the 28-year-old plays senior football in the SANFL, and in any grade since featuring for North Adelaide in the SANFL under 17 competition back in 2007.
Motlop has averaged 10.5 disposals in his last two games and has only hit the scoreboard this season when he booted three goals against Carlton in Round 2.
“I spoke to him a little bit yesterday,” Gray said of Motlop during an interview with SEN SA’s breakfast program.
“I’m sure he’ll go back and play well
“It’ll be something a little bit different for him but obviously the coaches have spoken to him and he’s got a few things he needs to work on that the coaches will give him and I’m sure he’ll be back soon.
“He’s a super important player for our team with what he gives us. His ball use is really important for us.”
Motlop’s omission will see Todd Marshall recalled, after the young forward missed the last two games to find form and confidence in the SANFL.
Marshall impressed with 18 disposals and four goals in Port Adelaide’s SANFL win over reigning premier North Adelaide last Sunday, earning a recall to the senior side.
“Toddy, I was there last week, and he was super impressive as a young key forward,” Gray said.
“He flew at everything and took a couple of clunks and was able to finish off in front of goal.”
The Power goes into its clash with West Coast on Friday night having lost its past two games to Brisbane and Richmond by margins of 17 and seven points after being in winning positions.
Gray said the results hadn’t dented the side’s belief, backing his teammates to return to the winners’ list on Good Friday.
“We’re still really positive,” he said.
“We’ve been right in games and been leading in the last quarters in the last two weeks but we’re sticking positive as a group.
“We’ve got a big trip this week against the premiers of last year so I’m really excited to get away for a couple of days as a group and put in a really big performance tomorrow night on what will be a big occasion.”
