PORT Adelaide winger Steven Motlop has been axed for the Power's Good Friday encounter with West Coast at Optus Stadium.

The former Geelong speedster has struggled to make an impact in his second season at the Power, and had just seven disposals in last weekend's seven-point loss to Richmond.

The 160-game veteran will instead play for Port Adelaide's SANFL team against Norwood at Coopers Stadium on Thursday night.

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"His form for the first three or four weeks of the season has been a little bit off by his own admission," Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au. 

"He hasn’t been able to find the football and impact as well as we’d like. 

"On that basis, we’ve made the decision to play him at SANFL level, where he’ll hopefully find some more of the ball. 

"We know Steven is a high-quality player who we’re sure will make his way back and be a significant part of the team going forward."

The Power signed the 28-year-old as a free agent on a four-year deal at the end of 2017 season, with the Cats declining to match Port's offer.

Midfielder Karl Amon will also play in the SANFL side in his first game back from a knee injury.

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Motlop's demotion opens the door for ex-Brisbane Lions utility Sam Mayes to make his Power debut.

He is one of five additions to the Power's 26-man squad – along with Todd Marshall, Peter Ladhams, Aidyn Johnson and Jarrod Lienert – which includes four emergencies.

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