Coach admits Cloke is nervous at facing Pies
BULLDOGS coach Luke Beveridge says Travis Cloke has been a bit jittery as he prepares to make his debut for the red, white and blue against none other than his old club Collingwood.
The Magpies will host the reigning premiership at the MCG tonight.
“I’d imagine he’s pretty nervous. I’ve been there a couple of times myself where you come up against your old team, but he’s determined to do well,” Beveridge said.
Cloke played played 246 games across 12 seasons for Collingwood and was a part of the club’s 2010 premiership.
“I’m sure the (Collingwood) players and supporters still have a huge soft spot for Clokey,” Beveridge said.
“He’s a decorated player ... and I’m sure they all remember that ... but I’m sure they’ll definitely let him know he’s playing for the opposition.” GRUDGE MATCH: Travis Cloke trains with the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval ahead of his debut for the club tonight against Collingwood.
As well as Cloke, returning captain Robert Murphy, Matt Suckling and Stewart Crameri are also poised to play, in place of as many as four premiership players.
Forward Tory Dickson will play VFL to build
fitness while big man Jordan Roughead is still some way off resuming from a pre-season knee injury.
Josh Dunkley’s spot is also uncertain.
“All coaches have a sense of loyalty and a pretty vivid
memory of the recent past,” Beveridge said.
“There’s going to be one or two players miss out who played in last year’s premiership side so that’s a difficult conversation to have.”