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Motlop tackle to be scrutinised

By Mr Dandalooa

The AFL’s new rules governing dangerous tackles is poised to be tested today when the match review panel views a contentious incident involving Port Adelaide power forward Daniel Motlop.

Motlop’s tackle of Adelaide midfielder-defender Michael Doughty, where he heavily slammed the Crow early in the second quarter of the weekend’s NAB Cup opener at AAMI Stadium, could see the specialist forward missing Port’s start to the season proper next month.

The AFL has tightened its rough conduct rules in the off-season and so Motlop’s tackle will come under scrutiny today when the forward will learn if Port’s new rough and tough style of play will worsen the club’s reputation.

Crows captain Chris McDermott yesterday said Motlop’s tackle was poor and that he should pay for it.

He said it epitomised the very thing the AFL was attempting to stamp out.

Port assistant coach Adam Kingsley, however, has played down the tackle and said it looked worse than it really was.

But he did say that Motlop needed to pull his head in and avert heading to the tribunal again.

He said although it cost the team a behind, he hoped it wouldn’t cost them too much.

Port Adelaide has built an unenvious reputation for delivering sometimes illegal contact in games, highlighted by one of the worst AFL tribunal records.

In the past five years, Port has had 43 suspensions, almost 50 reports and had players sit out for some 33 games.