Steven Motlop is now a member of Port Adelaide after Geelong decided not to match the Power's offer to the restricted free agent.

The 26-year-old spent the past eight seasons with the Cats, and has played 135 games for Geelong since making his debut in round two, 2010.

โ€œIt was a difficult decision to leave Geelong,โ€ Motlop told portadelaidefc.com.au.

โ€œI spent nine great years there and they were fantastic for my footy and a great support for me and my family.

โ€œHaving decided to leave, I was really impressed by the presentation Ken Hinkley and some of the clubโ€™s other leaders made.

โ€œI already have a connection to the Power where my older brother, Daniel, played for six seasons and my cousin, Marlon, still works in the community department.

โ€œPort Adelaide is also an industry leader with its Indigenous community work, which is an area that is really important to me.โ€

Port Adelaide List Manager Jason Cripps said the club was thrilled Motlop decided to join the Power, and is excited to see Motlop in action next season.

โ€œItโ€™s a great vote of confidence in our football program, and club more generally, that Steven has chosen to join us,โ€ Cripps said.

โ€œHeโ€™s a highly skilled and experienced player who we believe will make an immediate impression with our side.โ€