Boom recruit Adam Treloar has given himself a huge shot of a round-one Western Bulldogs debut against his old side Collingwood after starring in a second-tier AFL practice match
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Treloar has battled persistent calf muscle tightness during his first pre-season with the Bulldogs since being forced out of the Magpies during last year's trade period.
But the midfielder, who turns 28 on Tuesday, eased fitness concerns ahead of the March 19 MCG blockbuster with an impressive performance for the Bulldogs' reserves on Monday.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said Treloar had done everything he could to recover from the setback
"I'd say, health-wise, based on today he would be right," Beveridge told reporters.
"Then we've got to make the call on whether we pick him on a limited game time.
"Case-by-case because of his history, he'll definitely be a consideration if we can get him through training."
In his first appearance in the tricolours, Treloar had about 20 disposals and six clearances in two-and-a-half quarters as the Dogs registered a big win over the Casey Demons.
He now has 11 days to prove he can run out a full game at AFL level.
"Physically, you want to be right and you want to go into those games, especially at the start of the season, making sure you're in good nick," Treloar said.
"Today was a massive indicator to see where we were at physically and I feel great.
"I well and truly could've played the rest of the game out, but I understand the managed minutes and the risk versus reward.
"There will be a plan put in place for the rest of this week and then fingers crossed I get the call-up to play the game (in round one)."
Treloar has added further depth to a Bulldogs on-ball division that was already so strong that Josh Dunkley looked elsewhere for midfield minutes during the trade period.
Dunkley ultimately stayed at Whitten Oval and will be joined by Treloar alongside Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore and Bailey Smith in the midfield this season.
The group will have to rotate heavily through other positions and Treloar spent some time across half-forward and half-back in the practice match.
AFL regulars Jason Johannisen and Taylor Duryea also starred in the second-tier practice match after being left out of the senior team that took on Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Australian Associated Press
