Freakish forward Daniel Motlop has taken successful first steps on his road to AFL redemption, Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus says.

While the Power lost both matches in their pre-season competition on Friday night, Motlop emerged from his wilderness in sharp shape.

The gifted goalsneak was offered for trade last year after managing just nine games through a combination of injury and poor form.

The 28-year-old will also stand trial in April this year, charged with assaulting the girlfriend of teammate Jacob Surjan at a hotel last Anzac Day.

But his displays in Port's losses to Melbourne and Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night encouraged coach Primus.

"Daniel has been up and going in our pre-season and has acquitted himself pretty well," Primus said.

"He has still got a long way to go but he would be happy to get a fair bit of the ball, and looked like he moved pretty well out there which was the most pleasing thing.

"We have got to manage him along with a few other players until we get to round one, but it was a good start for him."

Primus said Motlop's confidence was rising from completing Port's entire pre-season regime.

"He hasn't missed a beat, he has done it all ... and is certainly bearing the fruits of that," Primus said.

The Power managed just four goals in their two games at AAMI Stadium on Friday night, 10-point losers to Melbourne and then thrashed by 32 points by arch rival Adelaide.

But Primus remained upbeat in the knowledge a core of senior talent missed the pre-season openers.

"... Next week we have probably got five players coming back, and the week after that another five," he said.

"So the great thing now is it gives us a month to really hone in our best side and our best set up and really prepare ourselves for round one and the coming season.

"It was a good hit out for us and we move on now."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP