The Western Bulldogs may not get back star on-baller Adam Treloar until 2022 after problems with an ankle injury

Complications after ankle surgery in May could cost one AFL star the chance to play in finals, and possibly a premiership.

Adam Treloar of the Bulldogs may not play again this season. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Western Bulldogs star Adam Treloar has suffered some “complications” after ankle surgery and may not play again this season.

Treloar, who crossed to the Bulldogs from Collingwood in an acrimonious departure from the Magpies, had surgery in May after suffering an ankle syndesmosis injury.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said his recovery was taking more time than anticipated, and he may not be back in time to be a part of the club’s premiership push.

“It‘s taking a little bit more time and the important thing with Adam is he’s going to be with us for a long time, so we just keep an open mind,” Beveridge said.

“It‘s a possibility (that he doesn’t return this season).

“These syndesmosis injuries are obviously significant and some (players) come back really quickly.

“Libba (Tom Liberatore) came back after about five weeks, which was probably a bit too early, in ‘16, but hasn’t had any ill-effects, whereas sometimes your body reacts to surgery in different ways.

“Sometimes you have a bit more swelling or inflammation and it can take a little bit more time to get back on your feet.

“Adam‘s experiencing some of that.”

Adam Treloar injured himself against St Kilda. Pic: Michael Klein

Treloar joined the Bulldogs on a five-year deal and starred for his new club over the first 10 weeks of the season before suffering his injury against St Kilda.

Beveridge said the Bulldogs would take a “glass half-full” approach and wouldn’t rush Treloar back, knowing he was a long-term player for the club.

“As much as he’ll be frustrated with it, we’ve just got to reassure him that we’re not going to rush him and he’s got to be 100 per cent.” he said.

“We hope to get him back towards the end of the year and if for some reason that doesn’t happen and it’s going to take a little bit more time, it’s not going to be a major issue.”

Treloar told Fox Footy his rehab was going “slower than what I’d hoped” and that the club was taking every precaution.

“Especially with the way the way the boys are going there’s no reason to really rush,” he told AFL 360.

“There’s still eight games in the season to go and I would love to get back for most (of them). But like I said, (I’m) being super precautious and ticking the boxes but moving slowly.”

The second-placed Bulldogs also have injury concerns with Stefan Martin (groin), Easton Wood (ankle) and Ryan Gardner (shoulder).

The Bulldogs play last-placed North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

Originally published as The Western Bulldogs may not get back star on-baller Adam Treloar until 2022 after problems with an ankle injury