Collingwood are so confident of signing Adam Treloar they’ve already produced a video where the midfielder signs his paperwork.
But the AFL heavyweights were left severely embarrassed on Wednesday morning when the video was leaked online ahead of his expected move from GWS Giants to the Magpies.
“It’s been a tough decision, but one that I am at peace with,” Treloar tells the camera in the three-minute clip.
“I think it is the best decision for myself and my family, and I can’t wait to get stuck into the pre-season and run out in round one in front of hopefully 90,000 people.”
The trade for the 22-year-old has yet to be concluded between the two AFL clubs, though both expect it will be done before Thursday’s 2pm deadline.
Collingwood was blaming a mis-step in the AFL’s online department, with Magpies media manager Stephen Reilly saying the club had communicated its frustration to the league.
“We sat down with (Treloar) late Friday afternoon (for the filming), thinking that the deal would probably go through on the Saturday or some time over the weekend,” Reilly said on Triple M.
“It appears the system itself … has been hacked or breached in some way, and someone has found the file and posted a link to it in the early hours of this morning.”
Treloar’s move had already ruffled feathers at the Giants after the midfielder was revealed to had undertaken surgery on his troublesome groin, reportedly without either club’s knowledge.
The video shows Treloar with his partner, Chelsea, signing his paperwork while he waxes lyrical on the club’s playing list and coach Nathan Buckley.
“He coached me back in under 16s and he was just great,” he said.
“The way he taught us to go about it, I got along super well with him … I can’t wait to work with him again.”
Treloar also revealed a close relationship with Magpies skipper Scott Pendlebury that dates back to his first season.
Collingwood won their first meeting with the Giants, in round 18 of the 2012 season, by 120 points but Treloar racked up 37 possessions in a powerhouse performance.
“He was playing on me, and I don’t know why but he told me where to run, and I ran and I got the footy,” he said.
“When I made my decision he was one of the first people I spoke to, he’s been great for me already and I can’t wait to play with him.”
