Adam Treloar prepares to play in VFL Grand Final with Footscray

Adam Treloar dreamed of playing in September — just not at VFL level. But he’s embraced the chase to be a Footscray Bulldog and is relishing the opportunity to be one of the stars of Sunday’s Grand Final.

Adam Treloar will feature in Sunday’s VFL Grand Final. Picture: Mark Stewart

Adam Treloar hoped his 2025 season would end in a grand final.

He just didn’t imagine it would be in the VFL.

The 2024 All Australian Western Bulldog played only four AFL games this year due to persistent calf problems.

His prolonged absence from the Bulldogs meant he qualified for the VFL finals and he returned to the field with 40 disposals for Footscray against Carlton in the final round.

He had 35 against Frankston in the qualifying final against Frankston and another 31 against Box Hill Hawks in the prelim.

Treloar – who this week signed a one-year deal with the Bulldogs to continue his distinguished 258-game career – said he was grateful for the chance to line up with Footscray.

“As soon as I knew I was eligible to play in the VFL, I jumped at the opportunity, because why wouldn’t I?’’ he said.

Adam Treloar speaks to Tom Liberatore after a Bulldogs game this year.

Treloar endured a frustrating year battling calf injuries.

“I feel like at the end of the day, what am I here to do? I’m here to play football, so the fact that I’ve had the year that I’ve had personally and not being able to play any games other than three-and-a-half I played … I thought, ‘Why not?’

“I get to go out there and represent the Western Bulldogs footy club at VFL level and I’m grateful for it.

“The group’s a very special group so the fact we’re here now and playing off against a really formidable side in Southport, it’s going to be a really exciting opportunity for everyone.’’

As he recovered from injury, Treloar helped the Footscray coaches for a few games and got to know more about the VFL-listed players.

Adam Treloar is BACK ⭐

🎥: Watch the Smithy’s VFL live and free on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTMpic.twitter.com/CiUhBtAu1q

— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) August 17, 2025

Zac Walker finishes off some great play from Adam Treloar!

🎥: Watch the Smithy’s VFL First Preliminary Final live and free on 7mate, 7plus and https://t.co/vYsGyBP3z6: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTMpic.twitter.com/EqB0wUpNoH

— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) September 13, 2025

He is aware Southport is playing in its third grand final in four years and said it had to be respected.

“They’ve got class across all lines and they’re well coached by Matty Primus and they’re super-quick with the footy … and if you don’t defend them well enough, they’re going to cut you up,’’ Treloar said.

During the week it emerged Treloar had sent words of encouragement to Frankston rising star Tom Blamires.

They played on each other at times in the qualifying final, and the veteran was impressed.

Last Monday night Blamires won the VFL’s Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the most likely young player.

“I just felt like he had a lot talent,’’ Treloar said.

“I’m super-pumped to see how his year’s panned out … I wish him all the best and I hope he gets an opportunity, because from what I’ve seen he’s more than capable of being a bonda fide AFL player.’’

Originally published as Adam Treloar prepares to play in VFL Grand Final with Footscray