Collingwood star blames himself, says Nathan Buckley does not deserve criticism
COLLINGWOOD midfielder Adam Treloar has launched an impassioned defence of Nathan Buckley while bluntly critiquing his own performance.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
COLLINGWOOD midfielder Adam Treloar has delivered a blunt assessment of his own performance on Saturday and refused to concede Nathan Buckley’s tenure is finished.
The Magpies were soundly defeated by 37 points at the MCG, burying any slim chances of finals and placing their embattled coach under more duress.
But Treloar, who collected 21 disposals in the loss, said the blame should rest with the players, rather than Buckley and his coaching brigade.
“I am as much of a culprit as any of us,” Treloar said on AFL Today.
“I was horrendous … I was non-existent out there.
“When we win it’s almost always about the players, but when we lose it’s always about Bucks. At the end of the day it’s us. We are the ones who are performing. Him and the coaching panel all put is in great positions to go out there and win.”
LIVE stream every game of every round of the 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week Foxtel Now trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >>
The 24-year-old poured cold water on suggestions that he is struggling with a knee complaint.
“There was no reason why I shouldn’t have been playing yesterday,” he said.
“I just played absolutely horrendously. It had nothing to do with my body. Throughout the week there are little niggles here and there but everyone plays with injury so you just need to keep managing them.”
And while Collingwood’s playing group is under pressure, it pales into insignificance compared to Buckley’s tenuous position as senior coach.
Post-game, the Magpie great and former captain admitted that the team had “lost a bit of hope”, a sentiment Treloar refuted.
“I wouldn’t agree with that,” the ex-Giant said.
“Based off yesterday’s performance you’d almost say that because we were poor. But as an entirety I don’t think that. There are so many things we want to achieve going forward this season. We focus a week at a time.
“You know what? The sky is the limit for us. I say it every week but I know if we play really good footy and play the way we want to play, we can match it with any team. That’s just what we have to do. We have to find ways to do that.”
Treloar also backed Buckley to coach on beyond 2017, however unlikely that appears.
“I absolutely adore him and love him as my coach,” he said.
“I’m hoping he’s here for a long time with me and the team.”
Originally published as Collingwood star blames himself, says Nathan Buckley does not deserve criticism
Hall’s long-distance Gallen plan
Barry Hall has revealed how he plans to beat his shorter but more experienced opponent in their much-anticipated bout.
Hall gets kick from little masters
Andrew Moloney is the hot favourite to become Australia’s only current world boxing champion when he battles Brooklyn’s Elton Dharry on the same night that his mate Barry Hall fights Paul Gallen.