THE MALIGNED forward, the survivor and the self-made man - Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams shares his thoughts on the Power’s top three players for season 2008, as voted in the John Cahill Medal, exclusive to portadelaidefc.com.au.
Daniel Motlop is much-maligned by so many people and I just can’t work out why.
Motts has kicked more goals than any other small forward in the AFL and he’s also up there for goal assists. He chases, he tackles, he’s selfless and he’s just a fantastic person. He’s got a great sense of humour and he’s really warmed to the club since coming here.
He’s been brilliant for us these last couple of years and we think we’re very lucky to have him. We got him at the right age and we think he’s got a huge future.
This has certainly been his best year. I used to tease him all the time that he hadn’t kicked as many goals in an AFL season as me, but he walked off the track after the Melbourne game in round 21 and said, “I’ve got you now.”
I was trying to get him there in round 22, but once again, he handed off some goals.
He’s an exciting player and certainly makes people come to the game. The memorable moments that Daniel provide are what footy is all about.
Dom has been outstanding for us. No one, in the history of our club, has ever come second in tackling in an AFL season and when you look at the guys he’s sandwiched between - Brett Kirk and Jude Bolton - everyone holds those two in high regard and, well, Dom Cassisi has risen from nowhere to achieve that.
At the same time, he’s a ball winner, he can stop the best players in the opposition and he’s become a great leader.
Two years ago, he was voted off the island if you like, in regards to the leadership role, but he’s come back into it this year and I really think he’s stepped up.
He won the Fos Williams award, as voted by the players, which really highlights his standing in the playing group and he won it by a record margin, so that’s just outstanding.
He’s as dedicated a person, as you’ll ever meet. I know people laughed at me a few years ago when I put Kane on par with Nathan Buckley, as the most devoted, professional and single-minded player that I’d ever met in football, but I still maintain that and he’s getting his just rewards now.
Kane sits down, investigates during the week and then goes out and performs against the best players in the AFL - and he does it week after week.
He has a wonderful wife and family. It’s been well documented his son, Eddy, has had some problems, but Kane has the ability to maintain his focus on footy while still devoting huge time to his family.
He probably only has those two things in his life and what great things to have - footy and family.
