Western Bulldogs veteran Adam Treloar has decided to retire from the AFL after 263 games across 15 seasons and three clubs.
Treloar wanted to continue his professional football career in 2027, but the Bulldogs opted against offering him another contract amid a spate of soft-tissue injuries.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have come to the conclusion that I am retiring,” Treloar said.
“I will never forget the moment that I fell in love with the game of footy – I was that seven-year-old boy that just wanted to be like his older brother – follow in his footsteps and play the game.
“I was a kid from Dandenong who grew up with nothing – except a loving family. All I ever wanted to do was make my friends and family proud.”
“That young boy would be so proud – never in my wildest dreams did I think I would play one AFL game – so to be here after 16 seasons, it is something I am extremely proud of.
“I am forever grateful to the Western Bulldogs Football Club and hopefully one day my daughter Georgie is running out in the red, white and blue.
“I will always be a Bulldogs person; I couldn't speak more highly of the place and the people that work here.”
The speedy midfielder began his career at GWS after he was drafted as an under-age selection in 2010.
He played 79 games in four seasons for the Giants before returning to Victoria and joining Collingwood in a huge move for the Pies.
Treloar was one of the club's leading on-ballers, adding 94 matches in the black and white before he was a crucial part of Collingwood's firesale in 2020.
The Pies traded the right-footer in the final minute of the trade period, with the Bulldogs becoming the beneficiaries of the Pies' salary cap mismanagement.
He featured in the club's Grand Final loss to Melbourne in 2021, playing a crucial role, kicking three goals from 27 touches.
Treloar continued his stellar form across the next few seasons, earning a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2024.
However, injuries began to curtail his ability to play football, and he was limited to nine matches in the past two years.
He did return late last year and played in Footscray's VFL Grand Final win.
The Bulldogs recently farewelled club great Tom Liberatore, who announced his retirement earlier in the week.
Liberatore departs the Western Bulldogs alongside Oskar Baker, Harvey Gallagher, Lachlan Smith and Zac Walker, who were not offered contracts for 2027.
