COLLINGWOOD’S Adam Treloar has told the haters to back off, saying he didn’t mean to disrespect the Tigers and telling fans to focus on more important things in life.

Speaking at the Pies’ pre-season camp in Falls Creek on Wednesday, Treloar said he had opted to join Collingwood over Richmond because “I think Collingwood have a better list”.

The comments sparked debate among footy fans, prompting Treloar to issue a response on Thursday afternoon, defending his stance and asking fans to focus on bigger issues in life, citing the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

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”I never once had a dig at Richmond,” the 22-year-old said.

“I thanked them heaps for there (sic) interest and effort in me and I wish them nothing but the best ... “

The new Pie said football was only a small part of his life, before writing: “IT’S JUST A GAME.

“(There’s) so much more important things in life than football ... think about your priorities and stuff that is going on in the world, rather then (sic) having a crack at someone over a game that we play.”

On Wednesday, Treloar had said he was confident Collingwood could win a premiership before Richmond, saying that influenced his decision to settle on the Magpies as his long-term home.

Having decided to return to Victoria after five seasons with Greater Western Sydney, the talented 22-year-old weighed up the merits of the two old footy rivals, but felt Collingwood had the better list.

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“A lot of people might think I’m silly because Richmond have a lot of good players ... but I think Collingwood have a better list, and a younger list, who in a couple of years’ time can hopefully win a premiership,” Treloar said on Wednesday as he took part in a camp at Falls Creek for Collingwood’s first to fourth-year players.

“That’s my ultimate goal and this team’s goal. It’s been clearly evident when I’ve come into this club that they’re driven for success and that’s to be a premiership team and that’s what I want to be a part of.

media_camera Adam Treloar lifts weights during a training circuit at Falls Creek. Picture: Colleen Petch

“(With) guys like Taylor Adams coming through Jordan De Goey, and Jamie Elliott, guys who are outstanding young men and who are going to be future leaders of this footy club as well as Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan — it is a good mix, and hopefully it will be a mix that can push for a premiership.”

Richmond made a third successive finals series this year, while Collingwood finished 12th, with the Tigers winning five more home-and-away games than the Magpies.

But Treloar sees plenty of upside for the young Magpies in the coming years.

He said he had “no idea” where the information had come from which led former Tiger Kevin Bartlett to insist before the trade period that he would choose Richmond.

“I never told them (Richmond) once that I was going there,” he said. “I am thankful for the interest they had in me, but ultimately I wanted to come and play for Collingwood.”

media_camera Adam Treloar completes the training circuit by pulling a kettlebell up a hill. Picture: Colleen Petch

He also moved to clarify the reasons for his controversial groin surgery after the Giants’ season had ended, saying he had advice after a medical screening with the Magpies, but ultimately made the decision himself.

He said he didn’t feel the need to contact his former club as he had already told them he was returning.

Treloar stressed that if he had waited until he had officially been traded to Collingwood that he would have jeopardised his pre-season.

media_camera Jonathan Marsh feels the heat. Picture: Colleen Petch

And he had a good laugh when a pre-recorded video of him in black and white was leaked out before the deal was done.

“They (Collingwood) gave me advice obviously (about the surgery), (but) they never pressured me to get it done,” he said. “I’m glad I did it because now I am not too far behind the eight ball.”

The Giants were not impressed that Treloar did not inform them of the surgery to alleviate the problem that had caused him much pain and discomfort during the past season. They raised the matter with Treloar’s manager, Peter Blucher, and with the AFL Players Association.

But Treloar felt no compulsion to inform the Giants as he had effectively left the club, despite technically being under contract.

“I wasn’t a Giants’ player,” he said. “I had (already) indicated that I didn’t want to be there, and obviously I wanted to be traded.”

media_camera Nathan Buckley keeps an eye on proceedings. Picture: Colleen Petch

He thanked GWS for their support through a tough year where he often did not train, due to his groin issue, but is confident that his operation will mean he will be able to attack season 2016 with even more power.

“Individually, I was pretty disappointed with how I played last year, because I had so much more to give,” Treloar said, despite finishing second to former Magpie Heath Shaw in the Giants’ best-and-fairest award.

“My biggest strength, I believe, is my run and carry. I can break the lines and I wasn’t able to do that to my full extent last year, because of my groin issue.

“I will be able to give more (to Collingwood) than I was able to give last year.”

media_camera Jamie Elliott pulls his weight. Picture: Colleen Petch

He said he had settled in well at the Holden Centre already, and was looking forward to mixing in with the rest of the senior group which arrives back on deck next week.

The opportunity to play in front of big crowds, including on Anzac Day, as well as the chance to work again with Nathan Buckley also played a significant role in his decision.

“I’m a Collingwood player now and I just want to get on with it,” he said. “Of course there is going to be expectation on the new guy, but I will take that in my stride.”