Earlier this week, Travis Cloke informed the Collingwood Football Club that he wished to be traded.
After a disappointing season in which he kicked only 17 goals from 13 matches, as well as being dropped three times, a fresh start is exactly what Cloke needs.
Following the announcement of his request, two potential landing spots have been discussed: Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.
Both of these clubs offer a different and unique opportunity for Cloke, so let’s look at the factors influencing his landing spot.
Why it would work
Cloke going to Richmond would definitely be the more interesting of the two clubs. Richmond, with it’s big supporter base and even bigger expectations, would offer Cloke a great forward line partner in Jack Riewoldt.
Riewoldt at his best is one of the best forwards in the game, as evident by the Coleman medals he won in 2010 and 2012. Pairing Cloke with Riewoldt would allow Jack to play closer to goal.
Too many times this year, Riewoldt was forced to find the ball beyond the forward 50, nullifying the impact he could have on games.
With Cloke in, and possibly Vickery gone if the rumours surrounding his move to Hawthorn are true, Riewoldt could stay closer to home as Cloke works up higher towards the wings.
Cloke playing up high, taking contested marks and then kicking long to Riewoldt in a contest with the likes of Cyril Rioli to be front and centre could be a real threat to opposition teams.
Why it wouldn’t work
Cloke moving from one under-performing mega club in Melbourne with a coach on the hot seat to another under-performing mega club in Melbourne with a coach on the hot seat is just a recipe for disaster. It would be a case of same crap, different smell.
Cloke would likely struggle as a product of the Tigers slow ball movement, and it wouldn’t take long for Cloke to become a scapegoat to the fans and media.
Why it would work
The Bulldogs struggle to kick goals. In fact, four non-finals teams, Collingwood, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Melbourne, scored more goals throughout the season.
Despite their plethora of speedy outside midfielders and their elite skills (74.3 per cent DE, 4th in clangers and most disposals), they struggle to score.
While they may have million dollar man Tom Boyd, as well as The Footballer Formally Known as The Package up forward, the Dogs forward line has been ineffective.
The fact that Marcus Bontempelli andTom Liberatore are both in the top five for goals scored this season should be enough to prove that something is missing. That something could be Cloke.
Cloke, despite his season of poor form, would most likely still attract the number one defender every week. This then frees up any combination of Boyd/Redpath/Roughead/Stringer to play on the next best defenders.
This freedom could be enough to see each of these players take their game to a new level. With the Dogs owning possession and cutting the ball quickly through the middle of the smaller Etihad Stadium, Cloke’s also far more likely to be hit up on short, sharp leads, something he has not been able to do playing on the much bigger MCG.
Why it won’t work
The Dogs are a young and surging list that will be pushing for a flag in the years to come. It is doubtful that the addition of Cloke is going to be the tipping point that pushes the Dogs to the premiership. Cloke will be 30 by the time next season starts, and his best footy is clearly behind him.
The Dogs should really focus on getting games into the expensive Boyd, and the addition of Cloke could hinder that development.
Wherever Cloke goes will be a big talking point during trade week. His best chance of ever reaching the form of his previous years seems to be the Dogs, where quick ball movement and precise skills could see him enter a new stage of his career, playing closer to goal and leading up on shorter, more powerful leads.
Let’s just hope for Cloke’s sake that this isn’t the end of the road, because at his best he truly was one of the best power forwards in the game.
asd
Guest
FARK
brent@olbg.com
Roar Rookie
Would be a perfect fit at the Dogs next year. They clearly lack any sort of forward presence and Cloke is a big body who can give a contest. They have made worse trades for their forward line... *cough* Boyd *cough*
Don Freo
Guest
Because Vickery is better than Trav.
me too
Guest
Where should Cloke go? Wherever they'll take him.
Cooper Brown
Guest
Daniel Rioli, not Cyril
Brian
Guest
Was wondering how many other pies played Vfl and not complain
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
He said he doesn't want to play VFL next year so I imagine he is going to have a fair few free weekends next season.
richo
Guest
wasnt aware Cyril was heading to the Tigers, would be a good foil for Cloke...make him look even worse if that was possible
spruce moose
Guest
Where should Cloke go? Retirement.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I liked Kingy's comments a few weeks back: "Cloke has a few issues: he's a Power Forward who relies on contested marking. At present he can't mark or kick for goal" Lol, just a few minor problems — a forward who can't mark or kick for goal.
Peter wolf
Guest
As I am a Pies fan I won't miss him at all as to where he goes who knows. With a bit of interest at Western Bulldogs, Richmond, I am With some of the other thoughts would he be better suited to Richmond as they haven't set the world on fire this year. The way I look at it, if he does go to another club would that be a help or a hindrance in other words what has he got to offer, and the way he played for Collingwood the past couple of seasons was pretty ordinary to say the least, is this the end of his career or one or 2 clubs will send him a lifeline?
Lamby
Roar Rookie
“Where should Travis Cloke go?” Goal kicking school
Pumping Dougie
Guest
I think Cloke would only be attractive to the Doggies as an insurance policy for Boyd getting injured (especially seeing as Redpath will miss 2017 with injury). He should only come to us if he is prepared to play in the VFL and Collingwood pay his salary differential. Boyd, Crameri, Stringer and a resting/rotating Roughead / Campbell combo offer enough height up forward for us. Cloke offers nothing defensively and is useless when the ball hits the ground. He would be better off going to Richmond where he is more likely to get a regular game and be overpaid.
Axle and the Guru
Guest
Brisbane could use him as a Captain-Coach, then they would have a power forward and the dollars they would save on a coach could pay off there 13 million dollar bill?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"Where should Travis Cloke go?" Who cares...
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Cloke is a hack and the worst kick at goal I have ever seen at this level . His father David was particularly bad and inept at kicking also , must run in the genes . The only useful role Cloke plays is as a decoy , freeing up the forward line for my authoritative and better kickers . I am very happy he has left Collingwood and hopefully Buckley follows suit .
Wilson
Roar Guru
Vickery has more areas the Hawks can use him with Ceglar out for most of 2017 we need that person that can come and Help McEnvoy and that person who can be the Tall target in the Forward line
Cooper Brown
Guest
Probably a slight dig! To be fair he was a part of a winning culture there for a couple of years
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Last night he publicly mentioned that he wanted to head to the Bulldogs, to be part of a "winning culture". If that isn't a subtle dig at Collingwood, I don't know what is.
Cooper Brown
Guest
The Hawks have not shown any interest in Cloke. Signing Vickery looks to me like insurance for Roughead, because he may not be playing again next year, or possibly ever again. Vickery is younger (27 in May), and a Cloke signing doesn't make sense for a team that is slowly moving on some older players (Lake, Hale).