Amid the headline grabbing aspects of the Western Bulldogs’ 128-point win over North Melbourne on Good Friday, midfield recruit Adam Treloar put in his most accomplished performance in the red, white and blue so far.
Josh Bruce starred with 10 goals, but Treloar’s 27-disposal, three-goal game was the greatest sign yet that the 28-year-old is right at home at his new club, and growing by the week.
Treloar finished with 12 score involvements, 558 metres gained, three clearances and nine inside 50s against the Kangaroos.
It was the fifth time in his 176 games that he’s notched a hattrick of six-pointers.
“We know he’s got speed, and he’s a little bit different to some our other mids and what he can do away from the stoppage,” Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge said after the game.
“Those goals on the run, they’re just inspiring and team-lifting. Our supporters would’ve loved to have seen that.
“I didn’t realise how good his non-preferred foot is. That left foot goal today – it’s just an example of how players continue to push the envelope with how far they can take their game.
“It was a good day of discovery for Adam, and a prolific game for us in the way he hit the scoreboard.”
While the Bulldogs secured their third straight win to start the 2021 campaign, the victory was soured by a shoulder injury to key defender Ryan Gardner.
“It appears as though it’s the same injury as Hayden Crozier’s. It’s a significant AC joint injury.
“He’ll need to go into surgery this week. It’ll have a similar timeline to Hayden.
“There are some lads who can come in and replace, and we’ll need them, with Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood next week.”
