EXCLUSIVE: GEELONG star Steven Motlop was suspended from the round two game against Fremantle after his Hawthorn opponents sledged him for drinking at a local football game in Colac on Good Friday.

Cats players heard several key Hawks taunting Motlop during the Easter Monday clash and are understood to have raised the issue after the game, disappointed that he would be drinking just days out from the season opener.

Although the act itself was no issue, the timing just days out from such a big game was not the preparation expected of a Geelong player.

Even though Motlop was his team's best player in the game, amassing 27 kicks and five handballs, the Cats made the decision to suspend him for Sunday's clash against Fremantle.

Geelong refused to comment on the latest developments when contacted by AFL.com.au.

Earlier, coach Chris Scott alerted the media on Thursday of the club's decision.

"The team and Steve will pay a big penalty this week, but having said that we're really happy with the way Steve responded in the aftermath and we are really positive that this is going to have a good outcome for the whole club and importantly for Steve," Scott said.

"We have clear expectations of our players and there is no grey area here.

"Steve has not been able to meet those on this occasion and to his credit he acknowledges it and he admits and he is prepared to take his right whack."

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The incident will only add to the famous Geelong v Hawthorn rivalry that has been at fever pitch since the Hawks beat the Cats in the 2008 Grand Final.

The two clubs have played in several classic clashes ever since and are regarded as the best two clubs of the modern era.

Motlop has played 69 games for the club and is one of the Cats' most promising players.

He comes out of contract at the end of the season.



Steven Motlop at Colac's three-quarter time huddle on Good Friday. Picture: Vicki King - K-ROCK Football







