I was an ardent Peter Motley fan. Like Dirko, I was 14 and had a bit of a boy crush on Mots. I remember one day during pre-season training in '86 that Kenny Hunter kept yelling 'Hollywood!' when he wanted the ball from Mots. That name was pretty apt...he had the good looks, wore the gold chain and unfortunately (in hindsight) drove a low to the ground sports car. But he was a very good footballer. I think in part why I am so critical of Bryce Gibbs is that I can see a lot of Mots in him. Albeit Mots was harder at the contest and was a far better overhead mark, but like Bryce - Mots understood space on the footy ground and had the innate ability to find a teammate in congestion. Mots was a player a junior coach could point to and say 'Forget the ball - look at Motley and what he does'. He really was a true utility and reminded me a lot of Trevor Barker who would be far more revered as a footballer had he played in a good side.
Dirko wrote:
I remember vividly the day Mots had his accident, and being at the age 14, didn't fully comprehend that he wouldn't get back out in the Navy Blue. As a kid, you just take things for granted....
I remember hearing something on the radio the following morning and the discussion with my Carlton supporting mates at recess and lunch breaks. News spread a lot slower back then. It wasn't until 2 days after the accident that the papers reported that Peter was fighting for his life.
While we'll never really know - I am of the opinion that Mots would at some stage been drawn back to the Adelaide Crows ...whether as an inaugural member in 1991 or shortly after I'm not sure. The South Australian pull seemed to be stronger in him than the others. Similarly if a team arrived in Tasmania, Mitch Robinson would swim back across Bass Strait to be a part of it. To be honest, I'm still incredibly surprised both Braddles
and Sticks stayed, but their professional careers outside of football were being nurtured in Melbourne's burgeoning printing industry.
I have been fortunate to meet a number of famous people in my life. But I never felt nervous or overawed...not like when I met Peter Motley in 2006. Mots has an aura about him and an amazing zest for life. I wanted to give him a big hug!
What I would like to happen is for Mots to be inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame. It's worth remembering that he fits into the criteria quite easily. The Nomination Panel considers a candidate’s outstanding service and overall contribution to the Carlton Football Club (tick)...They may also consider a candidates individual record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character (he fits in here too). The number of games played or coached or years of administration and years of service are only a guide and not a determining factor.
It would be fitting - 25 years after he last played for the Blues - for it to happen this year. (End of rant...pens letter to Stephen Kernahan) CC: Hall of Fame Nomination Panel Bcc:
craigb@docklandspress.com.au