HE loves a goal just as much as he loves pressuring and bringing down the opposition in his forward line.
Yes, he’s a Motlop.
Carlton’s solitary live selection in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, Jesse Motlop has enjoyed a bright start to life at VFL level for the Blues.
Playing every pre-season and home-and-away game bar one due to AFL Health and Safety Protocols, the small forward has showcased his energy and class since arriving through the doors of IKON Park.
Speaking on Carlton Coaches’ Corner, development coach Torin Baker said Motlop was finding ways to make an impact from the outset.
“Jesse has been a really strong contributor at VFL level,” Baker said.
“His standout game was against Box Hill, where he was able to kick four goals. His pressure and the amount of run he has created for the team has been excellent.
“We’ve been very pleased: he’s only missed the one game at this point in time and he’s someone that we’ve been really happy with.”
Also hitting the scoreboard in the final term of the weekend’s loss to Richmond, it’s easy to judge Motlop’s impact on the game simply by what appears in the goals column.
However, Motlop - who has also been pinch-hitting at stoppages at various stages - said when he arrived at Carlton that he wanted to be defined by his pressure. He has showcased exactly that at this early stage.
“Small forwards, they all love a goal — and Jesse’s no different,” Baker said.
“But equally, he loves putting on a big tackles… it’s part and parcel of a playing as a small forward that you have to be a really good tackler.
“For a first-year player, his strength in the tackle has been a real standout.”
The clearest case of Motlop putting it all together was a solo goal against Richmond in pre-season, where he laid a smother on centre wing, initiated a one-two with his teammate and converted a running goal from inside 50.
Pretty rude from Brodie Kemp.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 19, 2022
Maybe even slightly ruder from Jesse Motlop.
All 22 goals from the @CarltonReserves. It's all good stuff.
Baker said the next step for Motlop, as is the case with most young players, is consistency.
“We’ve got some players contributing pretty strongly in those roles in the AFL,” he said.
“After the Box Hill game, he was unfortunately out the week after, so I think if he’s able to continue to build his solid form, it’s around his consistency of being able to impact the scoreboard as well as his defensive work.
“Whenever the opportunity arises, it’s about taking that. I’m excited for when Jesse does get that opportunity and I think he’ll make the most of it.”
