Adam Treloar had never tasted premiership success until Sunday, when the Footscray Bulldogs prevailed over the Southport Sharks to be crowned champions of the VFL competition.
Treloar had ventured to the decider on eight occasions throughout his footballing journey, including AFL grand finals in 2018 and 2021 for Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, respectively.
However, all have ended in heartbreak.
But the three-club midfielder was able to flip the script, although that wasn't supposed to be the plan.
After a career-best season in 2024 that yielded a maiden All-Australian blazer, Treloar struggled to right his body this year, playing four senior games as he was plagued by soft-tissue injuries.
The Bulldogs' medical team went to work on righting the veteran's body and were preparing him for an all-out assault on the AFL finals, pending the club's qualification.
Treloar was given the opportunity to prove his fitness in the final round of the VFL home-and-away season against Carlton. He amassed 40 disposals, 10 tackles, nine clearances and a goal.
But a final-round loss to Fremantle in the AFL competition dashed any hope of an elusive top-flight flag, while Gold Coast also confirmed the Bulldogs' fate by thumping Essendon.
Although there was a silver lining. Treloar had qualified for the VFL side, who claimed the minor premiership and were favourites to lift the cup aloft.
The 32-year-old played in all three finals, averaging 30.7 disposals, 7.3 clearances and five tackles, and was immense in the 10-point win over the Sharks.
"It clearly means a lot to me," Treloar said.
"I think I was zero from eight (grand finals) in my career, so I don't want to make it about me, but I'm grateful that I'm a part of this side.
"So thankful that I played that half game against Carlton Blues in the VFL, and was able to qualify.
"I am forever a Footscray premiership player. I am proud I can say that."
Treloar's dream of becoming an AFL premiership player remains alive, following his recent one-year contract extension.
"It feels like I have been here a lot longer than the five years, and there is a lot of unfinished business from a personal and team perspective," he said, following his recommitment.
"It hasn't been the year I have wanted individually, but hopefully I can be a part of a very successful team in 2026."
