Western Bulldogs head coach Luke Beveridge has hit back at the critics that saw fit to slate his star midfielder Adam Treloar.
Following a lulled output comprised of just 10 disposals and one effective kick during the Dogs' narrow semi-final win over Brisbane last weekend, Herald Sun journalist Scott Gullan claimed that the 28-year-old appeared "distracted, disinterested, confused, sad and helpless in the biggest game he’d played for his new club."
The scribe also contended that should any further muted performances arise this September, then Collingwood could well feel justified in their decision to part company with the star.
Gullan re-raised the notion that Treloar's tenure at the Holden Centre had come to a close due to a theory that a geographic separation from his partner - professional netballer Kim Ravaillion - and child had the ability to hinder both his mental health and on-field returns.
Although Treloar hit back in style with 23 touches and a goal in the Pup's preliminary final rout over Port Adelaide, Beveridge was not willing to let sleeping dogs lie and characteristically leapt to the support of the former Magpie.
"For a guy like Adam that people know has had some challenges over the journey, it was just really poor, vindictive stuff and it was really distasteful," Beveridge said in the wake of his side's 71 point victory.
"He has an average game last week, he didn't like it. But what a great night for him to be able to withstand that and then give a great contribution for his teammates and our footy club.
"I'm really proud of him and just bloody disappointed in a few people that are really nasty."
Beveridge also confirmed that offensive livewire Laitham Vandermeer faced a Sisyphean task to be declared fit for the season's decider against Melbourne in two-weeks time.
Vandermeer, 22, was subbed out of the contest following a hamstring strain - an ailment that Beveridge suggested may scupper the youngster's dreams of premiership glory.
"He's a bit tight in the hamstring. He's got scary history with his soft-tissue, Laith, and our guys thought if he ran any more it was just about to explode," the 2016 premiership coach revealed.
"He definitely feels like he hasn't had a nasty injury but he had to come out of the game because he couldn't run.
"So that's a concern because he's been important for us. But at the moment he'll be doubtful."
Vandermeer's vacant position within the forward arc appears certain to be filled by Cody Weightman following the 20-year-old's mandatory sidelining period due to concussion having been served.
Beveridge's Bulldogs now advance to their second Grand Final in the last six-seasons where they will face the table topping Demons.
