FORMER Collingwood champion Peter Daicos says Daniel Motlop’s courage and ability to invent something out of nothing might have just have edged him in front for Goal of the Year running.

The Port Adelaide forward’s freakish goal in the final quarter of his team’s come-from-behind win over Fremantle is certain to be a contender not only for Goal of the Round, but quite likely the best six-pointer so far in 2008.

Daicos booted 549 goals for the Magpies and was himself known for his outlandish talents near the big sticks throughout his career.

This season has seen some superb goals kicked at AFL level, with young Collingwood star Dale Thomas reviving memories of one piece of Daicos magic with his audacious round nine checkside against Geelong.

Daicos, who played 250 games for Collingwood, said Thomas’ effort was “close to his heart” when assessing 2008’s best goals, but conceded Motlop’s effort was perhaps shading it.

“I loved Motlop’s one, that was just at the top of the pile just for pure improvisation,” Daicos said.

“He was off-balance and it was completely from left-field.”

The man known as ‘The Macedonian Marvel’ throughout much of his career said while Motlop’s decision to dribble the ball along the ground from beside the left-hand point post had been an “instinctive thing”, he deserved praise for his bold attempt as the match sat on a knife’s edge.

“In the context of the game, to even sort of attempt something like that, with where they [the Power] were in the game, was just fantastic.

“I suppose guys that have been in that position probably appreciate it more, the sort of courage that it takes.”

Motlop’s phenomenal snap continues a spate of goals this season where players have made the unthinkable look easy by threading goals from tight angles.

Daicos likened bouncing the ball through from near the boundary line to putting in golf, saying players found it far easier than going via an aerial route.

“They probably realise that it’s an easy kick, it’s not a difficult kick to effect,” he said.

“Keeping it along the ground is a hell of a lot easier … compared to having to get the ball in the air where it always deviates.

“You’re putting compared to getting the ball in the air, and everyone seems to be able to putt.

“It’s not such a difficult kick, and as soon as it leaves your boot, if it’s on line, I reckon you’ve got less room for error; it goes like a bullet.

“They’re probably getting bored at training and spending so much time doing the orthodox things that it breaks up the monotony of training.”

Click here to see the amazing goals kicked by Dale Thomas and Daniel Motlop