Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he too would love to “reconnect” with Adam Treloar four years on from the Western Bulldogs star’s forced exit from the Magpies.
Treloar was one of several Magpies sensationally pushed out during the 2020 trade period due to salary cap pressure in a move that strained his relationship with Buckley, who played a key role in luring the gun midfielder from the Giants.
Not only that, but Treloar was also left heartbroken in leaving the club he intended to play the rest of his career at, having signed a five-year deal with Collingwood in 2019.
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Fast forward to now and Treloar is flourishing more than ever.
The 31-year old claimed his maiden All-Australian blazer in 2024 after averaging an AFL-best 31.7 disposals per game and in line for an early contract extension beyond 2025 ahead of the Bulldogs’ finals campaign.
Treloar told the Herald Sun he and All-Australian selector Buckley “gave each other a thumbs” up when the ex-Pies coach announced his honour on stage at last week’s AFL awards as they move a step closer to breaking bread.
“We haven’t been able to sit down and talk to each other. He was the whole reason I went to the Pies. I love the guy. He backed me in and he always did. There will be a time when we sit down and give each other a big hug and tell each other we love each other because we do,” Treloar said.
Responding to Treloar’s comments, Buckley, who in 2022 revealed the two hadn’t yet spoken despite his efforts of reaching out, hoped they’d rekindle again soon.
“That’s nice to hear, it’s been nearly four years now (since Treloar’s controversial trade),” Buckley told Fox Footy’s On The Couch.
“When you’re in the same building it’s more important to be able to build those bridges.
“Ads’ has done remarkably well. We will (sit down together again), I love him.
“The professional responsibilities got in the way of the personal relationship there for a while, but it’d be great to reconnect.”
Treloar’s Bulldogs face Hawthorn in an elimination final at the MCG on Friday night.
He’s played 253 games — including 79 appearances for GWS, 94 for Collingwood and 80 for the Bulldogs.
Source Agencies
