Despite not entering the 2021 AFL National Draft until Pick 27, the Blues were left ecstatic with the acquisition of South Fremantle teenager Jesse Motlop on Thursday night.
Having identified the need for further depth in their small forward stocks, Carlton list manager Nick Austin would have been licking his lips to see Motlop's name remain on the board when the Blues were finally on the clock.
The son of former North Melbourne and Port Adelaide star Daniel, Jesse Motlop is sure to add plenty of edge to Michael Voss' squad as he begins to cut his teeth in the AFL.
A speedy, smart and mercurial forward that impressed in the WAFL this year, Motlop could be an immediate contender for Round 1 next year as the Blues embark on a new journey under Voss.
A very important question for your Friday morning...
Who did it better?
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) November 25, 2021
For Austin, the prospect of having Motlop pull on the navy blue in the next 12 months is one to excite both the club and their fans.
โWe couldnโt be happier to be welcoming Jesse to our football club,โ he said in a club statement.
โLike his dad, heโs the kind of player that can produce something which turns a game in an instant and light up the fans: whether itโs sidestepping an opponent, kicking the goal himself or setting up a teammate.
โHe 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.
โHeโs dynamic, heโs creative and as the old cliche goes, he doesnโt need to have 20 possessions to make an impact. He can play higher up the ground as well, but itโs in front of goal where heโs at his most dangerous.
โWeโre thrilled to have Jesse in Navy Blue and canโt wait to welcome him to our football club.โ
Motlop was ineligible to join either the Kangaroos or Power as his dad didn't reach the 100-game milestone at either club.
Across his eight games for the Sharks' senior side this year, Jesse booted nine goals and averaged over eight disposals as South Fremantle managed a Grand Final finish.
Motlop was the only player the Blues selected throughout the entire 2021 National Draft, trading and passing their later selections.
