2022 Player Preview | #3 Jesse Motlop

Written by Ari Stamatakos

Throughout the 2021 Pre-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club. For what should be an exciting and intriguing 2022, let's take an in-depth look at all players on the Carlton list and preview their 2022 season. #3 Jesse Motlop

2022 Preview

Motlop’s are game winners. Somehow, Carlton got their hands on Jesse Motlop after the small forward slid down the draft order, falling into the Blues’ lap. Playing in the WAFL last year, he has experience playing against men and knows the rigors of coming up against people who have a decade of experience on him. 

He has the eye for a goal of Eddie Betts and the real grunt and never say die attitude of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. He possesses real x-factor that the Blues haven't seen since the three amigos. His time in the WAFL means that the adjustment period to AFL level football will be much less than someone who has just been playing NAB league. This is a major advantage. He has come into the Carlton Football Club at a very good time. This is because there isn’t that much expectation on him to fire straight away. 

In previous years, we have relied on our draftees to come in straight away and improve us. Now, we have Matt Owies, Corey Durdin and Josh Honey who have proven themselves to be more than capable small forwards who can be a real asset. This plays into Motlops hands beautifully, as his x-factor and potential naivety won't be criticised as heavily should he play games, as we already have players that can play that position who are more experienced. This allows him to play his natural game without having any pressure on him to perform or play in a certain way. This gives him the licence to express himself 

The Best-Case Scenario 

The best-case scenario for Jesse Motlop is to adore himself to the Carlton faithful. It would be very harsh to give him real expectations in his first year, so if he can provide that x-factor and that spark that he showed in the WAFL, then the Blues fans will take to him like a duck to water. If he can give the Blues fans that aura that Eddie Betts gave us in his final two years, then that would be more than plenty in his first season. The more game experience he gets the better, he has already shown he can handle the rigors of adult football, it’s just time for him to show the world what he can do. 

Status Heading Into 2022

Sporadic 22