No Bad Blood for Surjan, Motlop
Mark Williams says there is no ill-feeling between Jacob Surjan and Daniel Motlop
On Wednesday, it was revealed Motlop was under police investigation following an incident at a Glenelg bar several weeks ago in which he allegedly verbally assaulted Surjan’s girlfriend.
The Power released a statement saying that Motlop had intervened in an argument between his partner and Surjan’s partner and was cooperating with police.
The incident only came to light this week after Surjan’s girlfriend lodged an official complaint with police.
The Port Adelaide players and coaches held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue and Williams said the matter had been resolved.
“I have actually [spoken to Motlop and Surjan], together and separately and there are no problems between them,” Williams said on Friday.
“I have always thought that when alcohol is involved anything can happen. I really don’t want to keep answering all the questions [about the incident] because what you do is write a big story about it when there is none, so that is all I want to say.”
Port Adelaide has named an unchanged side for the first time this season ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Melbourne at TIO Stadium in Darwin.
Former Essendon defender Jay Nash will travel with the side as an emergency and could get a late call up if the forecast is for rain.
In the past the Power players have trained in humidity chambers to help them acclimatise to the sultry conditions in the top end, but Williams said the team would rely on experience this time around.
“We have been up there a lot more than Melbourne have, but we will have some of those things [ice vests and sweatbands] up there and we will train there today,” he said.
“All of those scientific things in regard to hydration and loss of fluids and those things are vital and we’ll be on top of the game in that regard ... but most of all, it’s just go out and get the ball.”
Port Adelaide will play two games in Darwin this season as it attempts to extend its footprint through the central corridor of Australia.
Williams said it was important his side played well in the burgeoning market, but that it would be a tough game against the developing Dees.
“Some of the players Melbourne have brought back in are really good players. Austin Wonaeamirri, Cale Morton and Brad Miller are coming back in and Spencer, a big tall ruckman,” Williams said.
“They are going to be really keen to put on a show up and their best form is as good as any team going around in the competition. Losing by one point to Collingwood just shows you how competitive they are going to be and they beat us last year.”