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THREE factors came into Steven Motlop's decision to join Port Adelaide - the chance of premiership success, family ties and how the Power gets the best out of experienced recruits.
The Power are building strongly for a serious flag tilt next year with the addition of former Geelong speedster Motlop and ex-Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff.
If they can also snare former No.1 draft pick Jack Watts, the Power will believe they are right in the mix to win the club's first AFL premiership since 2004.
"One of the reasons I'm playing footy is I want to win a premiership," Motlop told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Monday.
"In the end, I thought they were getting some good players in like Tom Rockliff and they've got a great bunch already.
"I think we're going to be able to contend next year, so my decision was really based around that."
Motlop, 26, kicked 175 goals in his 135 games for the Cats since making his debut in 2010.
Along with the Power, he talked with Adelaide and Gold Coast about joining them as a free agent.
But ultimately, he decided to join the club where his brother Daniel (83 games from 2006-11) and cousin Marlon (five games from 2008-09) both played.
Marlon is also currently employed by the Power.
"Family is the most important thing to me and if I'm happy, it's going to help me play some good footy as well," he said.
"It's not that I wasn't happy at Geelong, I was very happy, but I'm going to love being around my family.
"I was really impressed with the Crows and the Suns as well.
"It made the decision really tough, but in the end, I went with what I thought was best for me with my family being there and that connection."
The Power have been willing to go after experienced players in recent years.
At the end of 2012, it was forward Angus Monfries who made the move from Essendon to the Power.
Two years later, ruckman Paddy Ryder followed suit, becoming an All Australian in 2017 and winning the Power's best and fairest.
Key forward Charlie Dixon has also benefited from a change of scenery after an indifferent start to his career at Gold Coast.
"The guys they have recruited in the past few years have gone to Port Adelaide and played some really good footy," Motlop said.
"You see Paddy Ryder there and Angus Monfries played some good footy.
"That really sold me as well."
Motlop admitted it was difficult to say goodbye to his Cats teammates, especially indigenous youngsters Nakia Cockatoo and Brandan Parfitt, but that he needed a fresh start.
"With my family over there, I'm going to be really comfortable," he said.
"The way I train, the way I play, will fit in with the Port Adelaide footy club.
"I'm looking forward to getting in, meeting all the guys and trying to earn some respect from them."
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