GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Steven Motlop of the Cats handballs during the round 14 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at Simonds Stadium on June 25, 2017 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Following a trade period filled with player movement, expectations are high at Port Adelaide and Steven Motlop has said they must connect together as a team if they are to make some noise come September. 

A host of personnel changes can often raise questions over a teams ability to jell and Motlop said the group must understand the importance of playing as a team. 

"We've got to come in and learn how to be a Port Adelaide player and bond with everyone and try to play our roles," Motlop said.

"We don't need one big hero coming in and taking the whole game over.

"We want everyone to play their role and we can win as a team, and we can lose as a team, as well."

Port Adelaide's midfield has been bolstered significantly after the arrival of Motlop and former Lion Tom Rockliff while Trent McKenzie (Gold Coast), Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne), Jack Trengove and Jack Watts (Melbourne) will also give Ken Hinkley a number of headaches at the selection table, adding a serious amount of depth to their squad.

After considering a number of rival clubs, including cross-town rivals Adelaide, Motlop is happy he settled on Port Adelaide. 

"In the end, I just thought Port Adelaide was the best fit for me," Motlop said.

"When I came in and met everyone, it just felt right.

As for his role in his new side, Motlop hopes he versatility will provide him with a number of options come game day. 

"I want to be a well-rounded player who can play forward, on the wing and definitely in the midfield," he said.

"Sometimes playing as a forward, all forwards will say it, you can drift in and out of games.

"You've just got to keep playing your role and when you get your opportunities, you have to take them."