Playing his first game of the season against the Box Hill Hawks at Simonds Stadium, Motlop kicked one goal and in bursts showed the kind of football that had him in All Australian contention last year.
However, his game time was carefully managed and early suggestions are he may need another week in the VFL before he is ready to run around in the blue and white hoops again.
The 23-year-old had "a minor procedure" in London in January to correct the pain of knee tendinitis, which he has carried through his career.
After sitting out the first quarter, Motlop wasted little time in getting involved in his side's transition from attack to defence.
He ran hard, spread from the contest with pace and won lots of the football in a dominant second quarter, before tiring towards the end of the game.
Motlop was also disallowed a sensational goal from deep in the pocket in front of the Gary Ablett Terrace, with the boundary umpire calling the ball out of bounds.
Although he missed a fair chunk of the pre-season, Motlop has picked up his running over the past month and the Cats are pleased with his progress.
Young forward Josh Walker kicked another four goals as he continues to bang down the selection door, while Mitch Brown added three.
Midfielder Jesse Stringer was reported for striking Hawk defender Brian Lake in the game.
Lake played about 100 minutes of game time in the VFL for Box Hill, with Hawthorn resisting the urge to rush him back for the Easter Monday blockbuster against Geelong.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson even suggested on Sunday morning that Lake might need another week in the VFL before being considered for senior selection.
The 2013 Norm Smith medallist missed the first three games through suspension and simultaneous calf complaint.
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
