Motlop was snapped up by the Roos with pick No.8 in the 2000 NAB AFL Draft, but sought a trade to the Power after managing just 47 games in five injury-plagued seasons.
The pair had not spoken since Motlop’s departure from Arden Street, but the gifted goalkicker said he had no hesitations recommending Laidley when the club sought his opinion in September.
“The club spoke to me and asked, ‘what if we got Dean over here? Would it be awkward?’ and I said ‘no’ . . . He’s a great coach and a quality person,” Motlop told afl.com.au.
“Dean was good to me at North Melbourne and I enjoyed my time with him. I’ve always said he’s a good coach - probably the best I’ve had".
Motlop, 27, admitted Laidley was not happy when he left the Kangaroos for personal reasons.
“Dean was obviously upset because we were pretty close and he was disappointed that I was leaving, but it’s been good since he’s come here.
"We’ve just picked up where we left off.”
Motlop has also maintained his relationship with another former ally, Hawthorn recruit Shaun Burgoyne.
The ex-Power vice-captain walked out on the club in September, citing a desire to play for a Melbourne-based club.
Port Adelaide’s indigenous contingent, including Motlop (No.4), Danyle Pearce (No.6), Peter Burgoyne (No.7) and Shaun Burgoyne (No.8), took pride in having lockers near one another last season.
Now, only Motlop and Pearce remain at that end of the Alberton locker room, having lost both Burgoyne brothers and also good mate Brendon Lade (No.5).
“It’s a sad time for me, personally, without Peter and Shaun, but from a team point of view to say we need those guys to win [is wrong] ... Shaun didn’t play a lot last year and we nearly made the eight,” Motlop said.
“It was disappointing to lose Shaun [but] it was better for him to move and freshen up and it could be better for the team as well because it gives one of the young blokes a chance to stand up.”
Motlop grinned when asked about the prospect of playing against his long-time friend.
“I’m sure Shaun will get a little something off the line when we play him.”
