How finding a work-life balance is helping Treloar achieve new heights 13 years into career

Western Bulldogs star Adam Treloar firmly believes that having his work-life balance in order has helped him achieve new heights in 2024.

While the 31-year-old has been a genuine gun across his 13 years in the AFL playing for GWS, Collingwood and the Dogs, he may be having his best year yet in 2024.

The midfielder is averaging 32.8 disposals (the most in the AFL), 4.9 tackles and 6.4 clearances (a career-high) per game this campaign.

Treloar thinks that achieving career-highs into his 30s has come about by realising there’s more to life than football as he used to find the game all-consuming in his teens and 20s.

“I just think it’s probably the old cliché that when you get a little bit older, you start to enjoy it I guess a little bit more,” Treloar told SEN Crunch Time.

“It's taken me 13 or 14 years to realise that there is more to life than football really.

“Footy really consumed me when I was younger and it still does in a way, but I just enjoy myself a lot more.

“Yes, there's a competitive side and I hold such a high standard of myself individually, I've always had that.

“But I think I've just been able to just relax and enjoy myself and not take things for granted as much as I probably would have in the past.

“That's probably been the main reason.”

As well as getting his mindset sorted off-field, Treloar credited coach Luke Beveridge as well as his midfield teammates for putting their full trust and confidence in him.

“But in saying that, I feel like the coaches, 'Bevo' and the midfield group, give me great confidence week in, week out,” Treloar added.

“As you can imagine, when you get older, sometimes that goes the other way. So, the fact that you know they still fully believe in me is something that keeps me motivated.

“I just want to keep delivering for the boys.”

Treloar, who has never before made an All-Australian team, could be set to break that duck in 2024 if his form continues.

The midfielder and the Dogs, who have won three of their last four, next gear up for a Round 13 clash against the Lions at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.