Treloar tipped to miss Magpies grudge match
WESTERN Bulldogs’ midfielder Adam Treloar will have to overcome a significantly interrupted pre-season preparation to play in the Round 1 grudge match against his former side, Collingwood.
The club on Monday said the star midfielder was battling a calf problem, which was expected to sideline him for at least another fortnight.
Treloar has been on light duties with calf tightness and is in doubt to play in the Dogs’ informal scratch match against Hawthorn in two weeks.
It continues his run of soft tissue problems, which led to dual hamstring surgery in 2018. The 27-year-old only played 10 games last year, amid dual hamstring problems.
While the Dogs do not think the new problem will put Treloar in danger of missing the clash against his old teammates, it is an unfortunate hiccup as he looks to have an instant impact at his new club.
Bulldogs head of sports medical, Chris Bell, said the club wanted to be careful with its new recruit, given his run of soft tissue worries.
“With Adam’s history of soft tissue injuries, we are taking a conservative approach with him at this stage of the season,” Bell said.
“His recovery is progressing and we anticipate he will return to full training over the next couple of weeks.”
Collingwood made the shock decision to trade the ball magnet to ease some pressure on its bursting salary cap in last year’s trade period.
The Magpies are paying up to $300,000 a year of his salary, which is believed to be worth as much as $900,000 a season. Treloar was upset he was given the flick, but has settled in well at the kennel.
The club has ramped up its match simulation training in recent weeks, but the calf problem has prevented the former Magpie and GWS Giant from taking part.
The club may not risk him in the AAMI Community Series game against Melbourne on March 8 at Marvel Stadium.