AFL 2021: Western Bulldogs star Adam Treloar opens up on ‘challenging’ week of criticism

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge staunchly defended Adam Treloar against criticism, and now the star midfielder has spoken out.

Adam Treloar silenced his critics by chalking up one goal, 23 touches, two goal assists and five clearances in the Bulldogs’ 71-point thrashing of Port Adelaide. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Western Bulldogs star Adam Treloar said he was “truly grateful” for the support of those close to him following the intense criticism of his semi-final performance.

Recruited from Collingwood on big money this season, Treloar registered just 10 touches in the clash with Brisbane and came under fire for apparently not working hard enough off the ball.

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Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes led the outcry against Treloar, accusing him of “spitting the dummy” for being moved into the half-forward line from the midfield.

The 28-year-old bounced back in a big way and was one of the Bulldogs’ best in their preliminary final demolition of Port Adelaide.

After the game, coach Luke Beveridge ripped into Treloar’s critics.

“Some of the ridiculous commentary and the insinuations around Adam was just so distasteful from people,” he said.

“If you’re failing at trying to pull people apart and bring people down like two or three journalists did this week, I don’t know how people around you can live with you, how they can lie in bed with you, how they can look at themselves in the mirror.

“I’m really proud of him and bloody disappointed in a few people that were nasty.”

Luke Beveridge unleashed at Treloar’s critics. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Treloar broke his silence on the backlash on Monday, saying he used the criticism as motivation heading into the grand final qualifier.

“It was obviously a really challenging week for me personally. It was quite challenging to be honest,” he said.

“You always hold (criticism) with you. You’d be lying to say as an athlete that you wouldn’t be extra motivated (by criticism).

“To be honest I didn’t really read anything about it. I kind of knew what had been spoken about early on and I kind of just left it and only worried about what I could control and that was my training standards throughout the week and the way that I prepare my body and go about it and putting myself in a really good frame of mind.”

Treloar said he was thankful to have been in a supportive environment amid the media scrutiny.

“The one thing that I do love about the footy club and being a part of a footy club is the backing that you get from not just from the coaches but the players and the supporters and the love and care that I got from so many people in my circle,” he said.

“All they care about it is me as the person, not as the footy player. Those people know who they are. I’m truly grateful for that.

“It really put me in a good headspace going into the game against a team that was one of the best teams all year.”

Treloar is thankful for the support of those close to him. Picture:y Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Treloar said focusing on his love for the game helped him bounce back.

“For me it was just getting back to the basics and that was getting out there and actually really enjoying being out there,” he said.

“It’s been a challenge being away from family and from your loved ones and for me to get back out there and just enjoy what I was doing, I really loved being out there with my teammates.

“That’s one thing that’s always been the biggest thing for me, is just to really enjoy and kind of feel like that 10 year-old self when you were a kid and you really just enjoyed being out there with your teammates and your mates.”

Treloar will hope to bring the good vibes into the second grand final of his career on September 25.

The Bulldogs will meet minor premiers the Melbourne Demons, who are playing in their first decider since 2000.

By contrast, it’s the second time in just six seasons that Beveridge has led the Bulldogs to the grand final from the bottom half of the top eight.