This story originally appeared on afl.com.au 

PORT Adelaide speedster Steven Motlop is poised to be the Power's attacking X-factor after working hard in the summer to force his way back into the side.

The 28-year-old booted three goals and had 22 disposals in the Power's 21-point victory against Brisbane in their Marsh Community Series opener at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex on Sunday.

It was just the kickstart Motlop needed after the former Geelong forward played just 14 games last year in his second season at the Power having joined the club on a four-year deal at the end of 2017.

Power midfielder Tom Rockliff said Motlop's strong pre-season had paid immediate dividends.

"He'll probably admit himself that he wasn't at the level that he wanted to be last year, but he's set himself up with an outstanding summer," Rockliff said on Monday.

"If he can play like that yesterday, I think he'll trouble a fair few oppositions.

"He spent a bit of time in the midfield and getting up and down the ground.

"His ball use is sensational as well, so he's a really important player for us."

Motlop covered plenty of ground and was critical in setting up teammates for shots at goal, an aspect of the Power's game they struggled with last year.

"His running capacity is unbelievable," Rockliff said.

"He covers the ground at high speed, he gets to a lot of contests, there were passages of play where he was in the defensive 50 and then he'd turn up inside 50 in the same chain of play.

"Not many players can go with him when he's up and about and running and getting to contests."

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Highlights: Port Adelaide v Brisbane Marsh 1 | PTV

Highlights of Port Adelaide's first Marsh Series game

Key forward Charlie Dixon – who was limited to nine games last season in his comeback from a badly broken leg – also starred, kicking four goals.

"He's in a really good place at the moment," Rockliff said.

"Up there jumping at the footy, clunking them, getting to contest after contest and that's all we can ask for him.

"He's had an outstanding pre-season and we can't wait to see what he can do this season."

The Power were almost at full strength, missing only State of Origin duo Robbie Gray and Scott Lycett, and vice-captain Ollie Wines (shoulder).

The Power's young players will face Adelaide in an under-23s game at Thebarton Oval on Saturday, while their final match in the Marsh Community Series is against the Western Bulldogs at Whyalla on March 7.