Club/Recruited from: South Fremantle
Position: Forward
Height: 179cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 23 November 2003

X-FACTOR in abundance. 

That’s what Carlton will be getting in the form of Jesse Motlop. 

Coming from Aquinas College (the same school as co-captain Patrick Cripps), Motlop was selected by the Blues with pick No.27 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.

The son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide livewire Daniel, Motlop is a dynamic, energetic small forward in his own right. With Daniel playing less than 100 games for both the Kangaroos and Power, he was eligible to be recruited by any club inside the top 40 picks, having also been tied to Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy.

His availability was clearly to Carlton’s advantage, with the Blues taking the opportunity to snap up the impressive youngster that built up quite the impressive footballing CV in 2021. 

02:26

Highlights | The best of Jesse Motlop

As exciting as they come. Watch the highlights of Jesse Motlop, selected by Carlton with pick No.27 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.

Motlop spent the majority of the season playing senior WAFL football for South Fremantle, contributing over a goal a game, including in a losing Grand Final. 

He is the kind of player that does not need a lot of the football to make his opposition pay, with his football smarts and forward craft setting him apart. 

It is quite the birthday present for Motlop, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Tuesday. Come Thursday night, he’s now a Blue.

Head of List Management Nick Austin said Motlop was the exact profile of player that the Blues were after. 

“We couldn’t be happier to be welcoming Jesse to our football club,” Austin said.

“Like his dad, he’s the kind of player that can produce something which turns a game in an instant and light up the fans: whether it’s sidestepping an opponent, kicking the goal himself or setting up a teammate.

“He just turned 18 a few days ago, so playing the entire year in the WAFL as a 17-year-old and producing what he did against more senior bodies will hold him in good stead next season.

“He’s dynamic, he’s creative and as the old cliche goes, he doesn’t need to have 20 possessions to make an impact. He can play higher up the ground as well, but it’s in front of goal where he’s at his most dangerous.

“We’re thrilled to have Jesse in Navy Blue and can’t wait to welcome him to our football club.”