Collingwood considered a Gold Coast Suns request to trade Adam Treloar

Collingwood and Gold Coast held secret talks in the second half of the season over an audacious play by the Suns to poach one of the Pies’ biggest stars — but he wasn’t playing ball.

Collingwood considered an audacious play by Gold Coast to lure star midfielder Adam Treloar to the Suns.

The Herald Sun can reveal the secret talks between the two clubs in the second half of the season were abandoned after Treloar emphatically refused to entertain the trade.

The Suns’ stunning recruiting raid came after Treloar had put pen to paper on a lucrative four-year contract extension in July.

The new deal has not been made public by Collingwood, but it ties the onballer — previously contracted through to 2021 — to the club until the end of 2025.

While the trade is now dead, the Suns’ approach shows the battling club is sick of their own list being plundered and are eager to initiate their own recruiting raids as they chart a path up the ladder.

Replay the 2019 Toyota AFL Grand Final in full on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Adam Treloar’s name came up in trade talks with the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: AAP Images

Gold Coast departures in recent seasons have included premiership Tigers Tom Lynch, Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy, Hawk Jaeger O’Meara, Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon, Melbourne defender (and former co-captain) Steven May and dasher Aaron Hall.

Last week the Suns were handed a hefty draft rescue package from the AFL, including the first two picks in November’s national draft.

The Treloar conversation started when Collingwood asked Gold Coast what it would take for them to part with their prized No.1 pick.

The Suns have never had any intention of parting with a first selection they are desperate to use on Victorian wonderkid Matt Rowell.

But it was in those discussions that Treloar’s name was raised. There are conflicting versions around which club raised the idea first, but multiple sources said the Pies considered the trade “for a little bit”.

It’s understood that slight delay didn’t sit well with Treloar, who has repeatedly spoken of his love for Collingwood, his teammates and coach Nathan Buckley.

Still only 26 and an eight-year star of the competition, Treloar gathered the most disposals in the AFL this year (789) at an average of just under 33 per game.

He was fourth in Collingwood’s Copeland Trophy count after finishing third in 2017 and second in 2016 — his first year at the Pies after crossing from Greater Western Sydney.

Treloar this year bravely disclosed his battle with anxiety, admitting he has struggled off-field in recent seasons with the pressure to perform.

“If it wasn’t for them guys, the love and support from my teammates (I would have stopped playing),” Treloar told Fox Footy earlier this year.

“I love those guys, I love the Collingwood Football Club; I’m always going to be a black and white man. I absolutely love the place — still have my struggles — but from where I (was) 12 months ago I am that far ahead.”

MORE TRADE NEWS

Gary Buckenara analyses Carlton’s list after the 2019 season

Josh Bruce wants to play a role in the Western Bulldogs’ push for top four in 2020 and beyond

Why Sydney shouldn’t worry about Essendon’s tough stance on Joe Daniher

Treloar sought a trade home to Victoria at the end of the 2015 season after being recruited by GWS before the 2010 draft as an under-age selection.

The Collingwood move saw the Pies give the Giants pick 9, a fourth-round pick and a future first round selection.