Hand it to Cloke, he’s ready for life at kennel
TRAVIS Cloke’s father claims his son is looking forward to playing for a coach who believes in him ahead of his imminent move to the Western Bulldogs.
That trade could occur as early as next Monday, according to David Cloke, with Collingwood likely to accept a fourth-round pick for Travis.
The trade period will start next Monday and David believes the deal could be done on the first day given a level of comfort in the agreement by both parties.
The Dogs have pick 59 and have committed to Cloke but after a premiership win for the ages some Dogs fans might wonder if they still need Cloke.
Former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes yesterday said the Dogs should revisit their plans, claiming the 29-year-old did not fit their style of play.
David said yesterday Travis could not wait to get started at the Bulldogs to gain a fresh start after being dropped three times by Magpies coach Nathan Buckley this year.
“They can do with another tall forward up there and to have a coach who has confidence in his player as well will be good for Travis,’’ he said.
“He is looking forward to next season and a new opportunity with new thoughts and a coach who has confidence in the way he knows he can play.
“That’s what (Bulldogs coach) Luke Beveridge shows in his players.
‘‘He has confidence in Travis and knows him from their time at Collingwood a number of years back.
“Travis’ body is in good nick so he’s had the medicals and they are happy with what they found and both parties are looking forward to next year even before what happened yesterday.”
Travis has just returned from a holiday and is training before the start of Dogs’ preseason ahead of a New Year’s Eve wedding to fiancee Rebecca Panozza.
David denied Travis had played heavy this year despite Collingwood’s belief he needed to lose another 5kg to regain agility and mobility.