THE BEST way to describe Jesse Motlop’s last week, according to the man himself, is “crazy”.

But the best way to describe Motlop, judging by permanent smile on his face, is happy.

After the biggest of weeks for the recently turned 18-year-old (and Blue), Motlop officially arrived at his new home of IKON Park on Monday.

Having moved into a house with teammates Jack Carroll, Corey Durdin and Tom Williamson a day prior, he was straight into it. 

And while he had three interviews with the Carlton recruiting team which ultimately called his name out on draft night, there was nothing that could quite prepare Motlop for day one.

“Having the meetings with the recruiters is a whole different thing to actually walking into the Club,” Motlop told Carlton Media.

“I was always mentally ready for it, but no matter how ready you are, it still hits you hard. It did for me.

“Meeting all of the boys that you watch on the field and years beyond, it’s pretty crazy knowing you’re their teammate now.

“I’ve loved being part of it and I’m happy to join the Club… I soaked it all up, enjoyed every moment and loved the whole week.”

When speaking to Jesse’s parents last week, mum Jade and dad Daniel were quick to mention their son’s character and commitment to his football.

As someone who thrilled fans of North Melbourne and Port Adelaide for a decade, Daniel said he hoped his boy wouldn’t simply do the flashy stuff, but rather have the rounded game of a small forward which the modern game requires.

Sure, the magical goals will come, but it’s the defensive side of the game which Motlop has had drilled into his game from the outset.

It’s what he wants to bring to his new club when he gets the chance to pull on the Navy Blue guernsey. 

“I like to base my game off a lot of things. There are the typical Motlop things, in terms of strengths with the ball and the offensive skills,” he said.

“But I also like to work hard on defence with my pressure acts and getting up the ground. There’s a lot of different things that I like to base my game off, but I guess I want to be dynamic.”

Motlop has been in the unique circumstance of playing “probably too much footy” in recent seasons: he had his season in the NTFL this time last year sandwiched by two consecutive WAFL campaigns.

Playing senior and Colts footy in the WAFL as well as school and state footy, there’s been no shortage of new teams that Motlop has had to acclimatise to.

But nothing has him as excited as linking with his new teammates — his Carlton teammates.

There was the support from former Blue Eddie Betts, who Motlop watched play for Palmerston in the Northern Territory recently, as well as fellow Aquinas graduate Patrick Cripps.

Then there’s getting to know a passionate Carlton supporter base who welcomed Motlop with open arms immediately on draft night.

“To get Eddie’s tick of approval was pretty cool… and I spoke to Patrick Cripps on the phone before I got here,” he said.

“I definitely haven’t wiped the smile off my face. When I got drafted, I was pinching myself and now with the first day over, I still am.

“I’ve very appreciative of everyone’s support and I’m so stoked to be a Blue. I really am.

“Being here, it’s such a special club and it’s awesome for me, and hopefully awesome for everyone else as well.”