Travis Cloke remains intent on switching from Collingwood to the Western Bulldogs and is adamant he has plenty to offer the AFL premiers.
Cloke has one year remaining on his current contract with the Pies, but he is hopeful a deal will be worked out early in the AFL trade period that starts on Monday.
“Ideally, I’ll hopefully get the phone call early next week to say that it’s all been done … and I’ll be able to walk through the doors of the Western Bulldogs Football Club,” Cloke told reporters on Tuesday.
“I’d never say (anything) is a done deal in footy … I’ve been around too long and understand that (sometimes) it doesn’t happen.
“But that’s where I’d love to end up.”
Cloke was dropped by Nathan Buckley three times this year in a season where he managed just 13 senior appearances.
So desperate is Cloke to start afresh that he will forego over half the money he was set to earn in the final year of his lucrative deal with the Pies.
But while he was clearly on the outer at the club he played 246 AFL games for, Cloke doesn’t believe he needs to reinvent himself as a footballer or lose weight, as was suggested by some commentators.
The 29-year-old believes Luke Beveridge can get the best out of him and is hopeful he can help take some pressure off high-profile Dogs forward Tom Boyd if he gets his wish to move to Whitten Oval.
“I’ve taken a bit of an interest in him over the last few years since he did make the move to the Dogs … it’s been well-publicised the pressures that he’s been under,” Cloke said.
“I guess a reason why I have chosen the Dogs is I’d love to work with him.
“Obviously he’s got so much potential and I’d love to help him out where I can.
“(But) it’s up to me to earn some respect at that football club and earn a spot because 22 players ran around at the weekend and you’d like to think they’ll be there in round one as well as (flag) favourites once again.”
Cloke spoke to reporters at a charity event where Geelong veteran Jimmy Bartel had his beard shaved off to promote his anti-domestic violence message.
Wilson
Roar Guru
I agree with you PD I don't know why he want to come to the dogs as you say play in VFL. And he is most likely also going to have Stewart Crameri who is coming back as well who I think would be a head of Cloke as well.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Please no more Clokes or ex Magpies at Carlton.
Pete
Guest
Keep him away from Carlton. Our window is a long way from open. No one over the age of 25 thanks !
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I just don't understand why he wants to come to the Doggies and sit in our VFL team all year, hoping for an injury to one of our big men. Tom Campbell will be picked in our team ahead of Cloke. Travis is better off going elsewhere if he wants to play regular senior football. But I'm not sure anybody else would want him. Maybe Freo, Carlton or Richmond?
Pete
Guest
It will be interesting to see how this works out if Cloke ends up at the Bulldogs. They looked like they lacked enough tall marking options in the forward line most of the year and at various times during the finals including the GF. Ultimately however it was the forward defensive pressure of the smaller forwards that was a major contributor to them winning. Clokes lack of mobility and his goal-kicking are the big concerns. If the Dogs get him for a 4th round pick and on low pay its probably worth a shot to have on their list.