Cloke calls Cats to see if he can get a game
A FORMER Collingwood AFL grand finalist will try to help guide Broadbeach to a second straight QAFL grand final this year.
Jason Cloke featured in the Magpies team that lost the 2003 AFL grand final to Brisbane in a five-year career that included 76 games.
The now 36-year-old has recently moved to the Gold Coast and when he contacted the Cats to express his interest in playing, QAFL coach Beau Zorko was only too happy to accommodate him.
“He actually contacted the club saying he had moved to the Gold Coast with his family and would love to be part of a club,” Zorko said.
“Luckily that was us. He has been terrific since he landed.
“His experience, voice and direction, particularly for our younger key positions players, has been great.
“He is also a teaching tool on the ground and you can’t put a value on that.
“Even as coaches in the box, you can send messages out but to have the lesson taught or point made at the coalface at training or games is priceless.”
The 189cm Cloke can play at either end of the ground and Zorko said he was still a quality footballer despite his age.
“You can tell he has played at the highest level,” he said.
“His mind is as sharp as ever and he can still read the ball and the game.
“The game has changed considerably but he has the ability to adapt and knows the different defensive structures and style of moving the ball.”