PORT Adelaide superstar Daniel Motlop has revealed his coach and teammates asked him to “quieten down” in the midst of his seven-goal heroics against Essendon.
In one of the best individual efforts of the season to date, the 26-year-old kicked five of his seven goals in the first half, including a forward pocket screamer, a soccer goal from 20 metres, a brilliant banana on the run and two set shots that never looked like missing.
His seventh goal, a freak snap after a spilled chest mark, came at the ninth minute of the third term to send Power fans delirious.
“I got told to quieten down and start passing it off a little bit,” Motlop said.
“I just had to settle down and pass it off a bit. Obviously you get a little bit excited and I got a bit carried away I think.”
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams could not recall any such instruction, adding he loved nothing more than watching his forward at work.
“I don’t like to put too many reins on Daniel,” Williams said.
“He’s brilliant. I really enjoy watching him.
“He does some of the things that bring people to the football.
“Everyone underestimates what he does for our club and he’s a brilliant team player.”
Motlop could not explain how he seemingly twisted himself into knots yet still found a way to finish with a goal.
“I think I just get myself into trouble sometimes,” Motlop said.
“I was lucky enough to get out of it this week, we’ll see what happens next week.”
He praised the work of Port Adelaide’s onballers who, headed by Steven Salopek’s 33 possessions, easily won the midfield battle.
“If you get the ball in quick enough in any team then you are going to score,” he said.
“It was just good to get a couple of goals and win three on the trot.”
Having clawed to 3-4 Motlop was now looking forward to tackling the unbeaten Hawks after next week’s Hall of Fame game.
He said the side was ready to show its best against a side that has taken all before it in season 2008.
“The boys are confident now and we come up against a good team in Hawthorn so that will be a huge test,” Motlop said.
