Footy was Travis Cloke’s greatest love and greatest hate during one of the most scrutinised AFL careers in recent memory.
But the 30-year-old is preparing for a life beyond football after falling out of favour with the Western Bulldogs, where his attempt to recapture his best form ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Cloke on Wednesday announced his retirement, having played 256 games and booted 452 career goals.
A hulking key forward who was recruited by Collingwood as a father-son selection, Cloke played in the Magpies’ 2010 premiership side and was their leading goalkicker for four consecutive seasons.
Critics were never far away however, with Cloke’s wayward kicking in front of goal a subject of particular scrutiny.
The dual All-Australian was traded to the Bulldogs at the end of last season but grappled with mental health issues and inconsistent form, playing just 10 games and falling behind other forwards in the pecking order.
He said he would retire with mixed feelings towards the game given the harsh glare of public expectation that followed him throughout his career.
“Sometimes three or four times in a day, you can fall in and out of love with footy,” he told reporters.
“It’s a game that I grew up with. My day played, my brothers played. I’ve been involved with Collingwood since I did work experience as a 14-year-old kid there.
“I don’t know any different. Footy’s my love. Footy’s the thing I hate most, but at the same time I’ll always go back to it.”
List manager Jason McCartney on Wednesday said the Bulldogs’ recent trade period – including the recruitment of young key forward Josh Schache – had led the club to hold talks with Cloke about his future.
With a year still left to run on his deal, Cloke had wanted to play on but accepted he was unlikely to earn senior selection, adding that contracts didn’t appear to mean much in the modern game.
One of several players to take time away from the sport to deal with mental health issues this season, Cloke said he had struggled to filter out the nasty personal abuse that followed him on social media.
“Mentally and physically, I was a wreck,” he said.
“I feel sorry for the kids that are coming through now.
“You can pick your phone up – we’ve all got them – they’re amazing devices but at the same time they’re bloody s*** for what they can do.”
Cloke said he was keen to remain involved in the football industry, potentially in a development coaching role.
But his immediate focus will be on becoming a father for the first time, with wife Becky due to give birth to a baby girl next week.
Gecko
Guest
TTF it wasn't Bucks' treatment of him. It was the evolution in the game. No matter which club or coach, Trav would have struggled once the game required tall forwards to have speed, ground skills and a narrow turning circle. He was great in the era when 'power forwards' dominated, and he was lucky he got a long, well-paid contract just as that era was ending.
truetigerfan
Guest
You can not be serious, dude!
truetigerfan
Guest
Not having a dig at Travis, Poider. Having a go at Buckley's treatment of him! He and Dad chose Collingwood. Simple. All 3 Cloke boys, in fact. How'd that work out for 'em. Betcha dad wishes he chose the Tiges for his boys now! We're glad he didn't. Too much drama!
anon
Roar Pro
Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane.
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Richo kicked 800+ goals though and played in a battling team for most of his career. He was a freak. Yes, he missed many easy ones like Trav and he had his short-comings, but Richo is one of the AFL's all time greats. Love your Pie's spirit in defending his legacy though, PtS.
Knoxy
Guest
Had it not been for his wayward kicking he would be regarded as one of the greatest forwards of the modern era. Regardless, he was still a beast of a player at his best. A two time All-Australian, Copeland Trophy winner, and of course a 2010 premiership player. All the best Travis. Thanks for being a great player and providing many highlights for the Pies over the years.
dave
Guest
I actually thought Cloke to the Dogs was a good move and with the new environment he was going to thrive. It didn't work out that way but I still reckon it was worth a punt.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
You have no idea of Trav True Tiger, another pointless Dig about a bloke you clearly haven’t watched. All you Richmond fans were bleeding he didn’t come to your club and have never forgiven that he rejected you for the biggest club in the land.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Doug perhaps you didn’t watch him as close as Pies fans - in 2010-2011 he was a Herculean beast and there were many games he just marked everything. Yes agree his set shot inside 50 kicking not brilliant a bit like Richo
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Why did they recruit Hodge? Why not just make him a coach? His body is done Brisbane won’t get him out on the park much you’d expect?
Paul D
Roar Guru
There are female praying mantis after copulation that have shown more compassion to their colleague than Bucks has shown Mayne The way he has been hung out to dry and pressured to quit is appalling.
truetigerfan
Guest
Yeah, good luck Travis. Pity the Pies got rid of Micky 'cause Buckley's game plan cruelled your career. Disgraceful how you were treated in the last couple of years at Collingwood. And they reckon we eat our own at Tigerland! Sheesh!
Paul D
Roar Guru
Matty the way we are going sometimes I think Hipwood won't be part of our next finals push I did forget Hodgey has done the Victorian thing and retired to QLD. I take it back regarding Crameri
Mattyb
Guest
Paul,Crameri hasn't played for two years and won't be in Brisbanes next finals push. Patience is the key for the Lions,they looked the better of the bottom four group by the end of last season,and they're already wasting a list spot for Hodge.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
He's 1,000 times better than me, PtS, no doubt about that! Haha. I don't think he was that great a mark, to be honest. He was okay at marking, but needed the ball delivered well (to the correct side of him, etc.). He was more impressive kicking at goal from 60m than he was from 30m. Guys like that who continually butcher goals up forward really frustrate a team. Once the ball went to ground he was ordinary. Any bloke who plays 250 games is no dud, but I don't think he was a gun by any stretch. It always felt like his best was yet to come and never did. I always felt un-threatened seeing him opposition colours and was mortified when he came to the Dogs. Good luck to him though, he seems like a nice fella.
Ken Oath
Guest
“They’re pretty straight to their word. They don’t talk a lot of smoke and shadows behind the windows.” Who on earth will fill this void? Cant stand the pies, but gee I'll admit I had a soft spot for this buffoon.
I ate pies
Guest
Good move Trav. You weren't going to get a game anyway...I cannot fathom that the dogs kept Honeychurch and not Crameri. We need medium forwards, not more midfielders who can't use the ball.
Peter the Scribe
Guest
Well said Cisco. Let’s watch Cat slink away when the Pies surge ahead of them in 2018 and beyond as their top up strategy finally catches up with them.
Cat
Roar Guru
Getting less? I'd argue the opposite. It was only a few years ago clubs were pushing players out soon as they hit 30. Now we have several players playing until 33, 34 and beyond. We've had more 300 game players in the last couple years than at any point before.
mdso
Guest
All the best for a life after footy Travis.