The two best mates hail from the Northern Territory and have followed similar paths to the AFL.
On Sunday, they will reach the 100-game milestone together when they line up on opposing teams at AAMI Stadium.
Motlop made the move from Darwin to Adelaide to play in the SANFL as a teenager and has followed Davey’s progress closely as he made the same journey.
Motlop, 27, beat a striking charge during the week to ensure his availability for the round three clash. He said Sunday would be a memorable day for both of the indigenous stars.
“I think it’s my ninth year in the AFL system now, so to play 100 games now is pretty special. The most special thing about it is that I get to share with Aaron Davey, who is my best mate,” Motlop said on Thursday.
“Aaron is godfather to my son and I’m godfather to his daughter. I got off at the tribunal and I’m just happy to be playing against Melbourne.
“Aaron and I spoke about our milestones a few months ago and knew that we would play our 100th games against each other.”
Motlop played 47 games for North Melbourne after being snapped up by the Roos with pick No. 8 in the 2000 NAB AFL Draft.
The mercurial forward spent five injury-plagued years at Arden St, but sought a return to Adelaide after his older brother Shannon was delisted by the Roos.
Motlop has since staked his claim as one of the premier small forwards in the League.
Last year, he finished third in the Power’s best and fairest and earned a place in the initial, 30-man All-Australian squad.
Motlop credited his improved performance to the fact that he had become smarter as a player and said he had set himself the goal of playing 100 games for the one club.
“I’ve played 50-odd games now for Port and I’ve probably developed three times as much here as I did with North,” Motlop said.
“That’s not taking anything away from North because Dean Laidley gave me my chance and played a pretty important role in my career. Coming from North Adelaide, Chris McDermott was an even bigger influence on my career.
“I just understand the game plans now and have become smarter. I want to learn and the boys are taught a lot these days about every little stat in footy.
“It makes you a better player.”
The freakishly skilled forward features regularly on both the ‘Mark of the Year’ and ‘Goal of the Year’ highlights reels.
But he said he got more satisfaction from applying strong defensive pressure.
“I used to try and do all the chasing and tackling at North Melbourne, but it probably wasn’t recognised as much as it is here,” Motlop said.
“When you get recognised for that sort of stuff, it makes you want to do it more.
“The big mark in the goal square doesn’t get showed in the Monday review, but the 50m chase from outside50m to the wing does. The players respect you for that sort of stuff, not taking the high marks.”
