Geelong forward Steven Motlop is set to join Port Adelaide after accepting a free agency offer.

The Power beat Adelaide and Gold Coast to Motlop's signature, but as he is a restricted free agent the Cats will have the right to match Port's offer.

But Geelong is not expected to do that, with Motlop's departure creating salary cap space that will allow the Cats to pursue Gary Ablett and other trade targets.

It's understood Motlop has agreed to join the Power on a four-year deal. 

Motlop was put up for trade last year after a disappointing 2016 season but remained with Geelong after generating little rival interest.

However, the 26-year-old was in demand this year, with Adelaide and Gold Coast making late bids for him, while Adelaide and West Coast also showed interest.

But Port had loomed as Motlop's most likely destination for some time, and now he will get to play at the club where his brother Daniel played (83 games from 2006-11) and his cousin Marlon was also listed.

Since debuting in 2010, Motlop has played 135 games for Geelong and kicked 175 goals.

He finished second in the Cats' 2015 best and fairest award and was an All Australian nominee after kicking a career-high 44 goals in 2013.

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