Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge detailed that Adam Treloar's benching for a large portion of the third term was to help provide a spark in the final quarter.
Treloar spent 14 percent time on the ground during the premiership quarter, which drew the ire of Bulldogs fans.
"Luke Kennedy's first game, Luke's got high endurance. We were working through who should be playing different roles and covering the ground in different ways," Beveridge shared.
"We thought we'd save Adam up for a run at it in the last quarter. He came on at the start of the last quarter and had an impact.
"So with the five (on the bench), you're looking for output at different times. You make decisions throughout the course of the game. We figured with Adam's profile at the moment that we'd look for a spot in the last quarter for him."
Treloar has endured a tumultuous 18 months due to persistent soft-tissue injuries and has shown in his limited game time.
In five outings this year, he hasn't tipped over 62 per cent game time, whilst also playing out of position, either across half forward or on the wing.
The former Giant and Pie has battled to return to his 2024 best, which earned him a maiden All-Australian blazer.
Questions have begun on Treloar's career beyond this season, and whether he can keep up with the pace and rigours of AFL football.
In the post-game Fox Footy coverage, a former St Kilda midfielder acknowledged the struggles of the 33-year-old.
“Unfortunately for him, his body doesn't allow him to do what his mind thinks he can still do,” Montagna said.
“I'm sure there'd be some mental challenges with that as well. That confidence and doubt in his body – he just doesn't look anything like the player we know has been an absolute star, it's been over a two-and-three week period now.
“There are some younger players that might have more energy about them with their running capacity that I think deserve a go.”
Hawthorn goal-kicking champion Jason Dunstall shared a similar sentiment.
“If your pace is gone, you're going to be in trouble,” Dunstall said.
“It might be a decision that he makes, as opposed to the club making. We don't know – only he knows exactly how he's feeling and whether there's any scope for improvement.
“If he's reached the peak of what he can do physically, then there's no doubt he's in trouble – but we don't know that yet, so we'll wait and see.”
