Cloke on deck to boost Pies

TRAVIS Cloke was not hiding behind the “smoke and shadows”.

Instead he was front and centre at the Holden Centre yesterday, appearing on the track to work with the likes of Magpie forwards Mason Cox, Brody Mihocek and Ben Reid.

The 2010 premiership forward does not have a coaching role with the main group but instead works with the club's academy and pathways program. But the two-time All-Australian, who played 256 games for Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs, was on hand to help with the senior list yesterday.

He turned heads as he assisted in various drills and helped the Magpies' big men, such as Cox, with their craft.

Star Jordan De Goey, who had a frustrating end to the 2019 season with hamstring issues, did little yesterday and spent the majority of the session taking part in running work.

Premiership player Dayne Beams was not sighted on the track as he recovers from hip surgery and his mental health battle.

Backman Darcy Moore, who will be managed closely given his history of soft tissue injuries, was on light duties.

Midfielder Taylor Adams, who struggled with groin issues last season and played just 12 games, did not take part in the session and watched on in a moonboot.

The likes of wingman Tom Phillips and small forward Josh Daicos (ankle) were also restricted to light work. A club spokesperson said: “As it’s so early in preseason, players are on different programs to manage different niggles so we’re not providing updates on each.”

Although, it was stated “the majority are on the track in full training.”

Big man Brodie Grundy trained strongly as he weighs up a mega seven-year deal from the Magpies.

The 25-year-old is expected to soon sign and become a Magpie for life, although nothing is official yet.

Midfieders Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom and skipper Scott Pendlebury all trained strongly and were involved in everything.