Adam Treloar greeted by chorus of boos in Western Bulldogs debut
In his highly-anticipated debut for the Western Bulldogs, Adam Treloar was bizarrely greeted by the MCG crowd with a chorus of boos.
AFL star Adam Treloar dominated headlines during the off-season, and the midfielder’s highly-anticipated clash with the Collingwood Magpies got off to the perfect start on Friday evening.
Playing his maiden AFL game with the Western Bulldogs, the 28-year-old’s first touch at the MCG would have left Collingwood fans fuming.
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The Bulldogs were leading by six points in the opening quarter when Treloar got his hands on the Sherrin for the first time.
After scooping up a loose ball on the wing, he sprinted for 20 metres with a chorus of boos echoing around the iconic venue.
But Treloar showed his class by expertly booting the footy towards teammate Aaron Naughton, perched directly in front of the posts.
Naughton claimed the mark and comfortably scored the major to extend the Bulldogs lead.
Treloar's first touch against his old side is as good as it gets #AFLPiesDogspic.twitter.com/ydPGq1pF1I
— RollnSport (@RollnSport) March 19, 2021
Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw said: “Listen to the boos and the cheers in equal measure … wonderful first touch from Treloar.”
Hawthorn Hawks great Luke Hodge responded: “I don’t think the Collingwood supporters knew what to do — some were booing, some were cheering, but as soon as that ball came off his boot you could hear the Bulldogs supporters get up and about.
“They know they’ve picked up an absolute star and got him very very cheap, what a start.”
Despite the entertaining moment, many AFL fans were unimpressed with the Melbourne crowd’s decision to boo Treloar in the season opener.
The former Magpie was controversially traded in a chaotic off-season, so pundits were understandably confused when he was greeted with such a negative reaction.
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Speaking to SEN on Friday, former Magpies star Travis Cloke urged Collingwood fans not to boo Treloar during the grudge match.
“I hope we are better than that,” Cloke said.
“But as you know 98 per cent of the people are fantastic people, they are great people. But the other two per cent, I just don’t know.
“Hopefully that two per cent are not sitting in the MCG.”
The Age’s Daniel Cherny tweeted: “I for one am shocked that Collingwood supporters are booing Adam Treloar because footy fans are renowned got their rational behaviour, especially when they are in large groups.”
Tonight’s idiot test: If you’re a Collingwood supporter and you boo Adam Treloar nothing can save you (unless he knocks out Pendles. Then it’s gloves off, obviously.)#AFLPiesDogs
— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) March 19, 2021
I’ll never understand the booing of Treloar. #AFLPiesDogs
— David Lewis (@dlewis89) March 19, 2021
Booing Adam Treloar, who was essentially forced out of your club and said just days ago he still loves the club.
— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) March 19, 2021
Righto.
Before the first bounce, Treloar shared a touching moment with former teammate Tyler Brown, the pair embracing on the field.
Treloar’s partner — Australian netballer Kim Ravaillion — was spotted amid the 46,051 spectators draped in Bulldogs merchandise.
The MCG crowd had a drastic change of heart late in the fourth term, applauding Treloar when he got possession near the boundary.
A wholesome moment as Pies and Dogs fans give Adam Treloar a round of applause ðŸ‘#AFLPiesDogspic.twitter.com/nhPh5tGLzP
— AFL (@AFL) March 19, 2021
The Bulldogs ultimately secured a 10.9 (69) to 7.11 (53) victory to get their 2021 campaign off to a flyer — it was the club’s biggest win over the Magpies since round 10 of the 2016 season.
Treloar finished with 18 disposals and five clearances, but told Channel 7 after the win: “I’m kind of glad it’s over now.
“The last couple of weeks were a challenging time. It is very emotional because I do love the (Collingwood players) and each and every one of them mean a lot to me.
“It’s been a good start for us. We will look to build upon that.”
Both sides regularly failed to convert opportunities in front of goal, but the star-studded Bulldogs midfield proved the difference.
Bailey Smith was a powerhouse in the forward half, finishing the game with two majors and a game-high 35 disposals — he won the Bob Rose-Charlie Sutton Medal for best on ground.
Meanwhile, Darcy Moore was a standout performer for the Pies, contributing 18 disposals and 12 marks.
The Bulldogs will next face the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 28th.
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