Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Travis Cloke

[bornadog]

Travis Cloke: "I've been associated with the Pies all my life, but it's been a weight of my shoulders in my last few weeks. I can't wait"

[LostDoggy]

With the engine Boyd showed in the finals (will only be better next year), the endless options of hard running marking forwards our forward coach will have next year will be amazing. Imagine bringing the ball out of half back and seeing Boyd, Cloke, Crameri, Stringer and Dickson all mobile and presenting, and then Bont and co also pushing forward. Good luck opposition.

[bulldogtragic]

Seems Trav (on 3AW) understands that Bevo demands flexibility and versatility. I like his attitude:

"You put your hand up to play where ever the senior coach wants you to play. I'm going to Western Bulldogs to help out in their forward half, but hey, if I've gotta play as full-back for some reason I'll give it a crack!"

I love the way he way he his approaching this move and his attitude. It was a good interview and insight into where he is at:

Full interview: http://www.3aw.com.au/news/travis-cl...20-gs6lvq.html

[bulldogtragic]

(afl.com.au)

WESTERN Bulldogs recruit Travis Cloke says he can bring the extra "one or two per cent" the reigning premiers need to stay on top.

Cloke joined the Bulldogs on the final day of the NAB AFL Trade Period on Thursday from Collingwood in exchange for pick 76 at this year's draft.

The two-time All Australian – who has signed a two-year contract with the Bulldogs – brings a wealth of experience from his 246 games at the Magpies, but was in and out of the side this season.

While he admitted it would be a challenge to force his way into the Bulldogs' best 22, Cloke believed he had plenty to offer.

"I'm coming here to re-invent myself, learn a few things and to develop under the boys at the Western Bulldogs," Cloke told westernbulldogs.com.au.

"My endurance running is normally a pretty good thing, but I will put myself in the best physical condition for the 2017 campaign.

"Hopefully I can bring the extra one or two per cent to the side and maintain the success that this club's got."

Cloke's 17 goals from 13 appearances was the lowest amount of goals he's kicked in a season since 2006.

The biggest question is how the 29-year-old slots into a forward line that has Tom Boyd as its focal point.

Boyd was absolutely terrific for the Bulldogs in their victorious Grand Final against the Sydney Swans and was unlucky to have missed out on the Norm Smith Medal.

"Sitting back seeing how 'Boydy' played in that Grand Final was fantastic," Cloke said.

"For me to work with him and develop both our game's together is obviously what I’m here for.

“I want to work closely with him and the rest of the forwards, but I also want to bring something to this side that has just won a premiership."

Cloke is excited to be working under Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who held an assistant coaching role at the Magpies.

“The [reason] I want to be a part of it is obviously the culture of this football club. From the outside it looks fantastic, everyone seems to be working towards Bevo, he’s obviously a fantastic fella to be in charge," Cloke said.

“I was lucky enough to work with him for a few years when he was with Collingwood, but I guess the way the playing group gels and works together is pretty important to him.”

“It’s probably one of the main factors.”

[Sedat]

Seems Trav (on 3AW) understands that Bevo demands flexibility and versatility. I like his attitude:

"You put your hand up to play where ever the senior coach wants you to play. I'm going to Western Bulldogs to help out in their forward half, but hey, if I've gotta play as full-back for some reason I'll give it a crack!"

I love the way he way he his approaching this move and his attitude. It was a good interview and insight into where he is at:

Full interview: http://www.3aw.com.au/news/travis-cl...20-gs6lvq.html

He's a smart man is Trav. He knows that playing AFL footy for as long as possible beats the hell out of the real world, and is therefore more than happy to take a haircut on pay to keep living the dream. He's already made his millions off previous generous contracts.

Love his attitude - I reckon the footy world will be in for a shock next year.

[S Coast Simon]

I was pretty happy and liked the idea of Cloke playing for the doggies but after listening to him speak about it I can't wait to see him roaming up to the wings. Our boys haven't really had a monster CHF leading hard at them to get out of the backline since C Grant. With the way he spoke and his attitude this could be a really good move indeed.

[bulldogtragic]

WBFC website:

Despite becoming a Bulldog officially only yesterday, Travis Cloke rode every bump of the 2016 Grand Final, and was pumping his fist as the siren sounded, swept up in the emotion of his soon to be new teammates' unlikely flag triumph.

The Cloke-to-the-Kennel story had by that time already become news but it was at that moment that it all became real for the former Collingwood forward.

“I [was] just sitting there with a big grin on my face," he told BulldogsTV on Thursday.

“Sitting there going, geez what decision, what a move this could be to come join this Club.

“They played fantastic footy, up against it for the back half of the year, [but] the way that they gelled together as a group, as a football club, it’s why we love AFL football.”

The deal itself went right down to the wire, the Dogs securing the 29-year-old for pick 76 of the upcoming NAB AFL Draft in the final hours of the trade period.

Now, after 246 games that produced two All-Australian jumpers, a best and fairest and a premiership medal, Cloke said he’s looking to reinvent himself under the tutelage of Luke Beveridge.

“The [reason] I want to be a part of it is obviously the culture of this football club, from the outside it looks fantastic, everyone seems to be working towards Bevo, he’s obviously a fantastic fella to be in charge," Cloke said.

“I was lucky enough to work with him for a few years when he was with Collingwood but I guess the way the playing group gels and works together is pretty important to him.”

“It’s probably one of the main factors.”

As for his on-field role next season, he sees himself working closely with Grand Final hero Tom Boyd.

“I’d love to be a part of the forward half and sitting back seeing how Boydy played in that Grand Final was fantastic, for me to work with him and develop both our games together is obviously what I’m here for.

“I want to work closely with him and the rest of the forwards.”

Even in the latter stages of his career Cloke arrives at the Kennel with a desire to improve his game and add to the team where he can.

“So I’m coming here to learn a few things and also to develop under the boys at the Western Bulldogs," he said.

“Obviously there’s strengths of mine and weaknesses.

“I guess coming here [I want to] narrow that down, obviously my endurance running is normally a pretty good thing but also I’ve tried to put myself in the best physical condition to approach 2017.

“Hopefully just bring that extra one or two per cent to the side and maintain the success that this Club’s got.”

[bulldogtragic]

Club Video: Cloke The Scragger

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/ne...e-the-scragger

[bulldogtragic]

He's a smart man is Trav. He knows that playing AFL footy for as long as possible beats the hell out of the real world, and is therefore more than happy to take a haircut on pay to keep living the dream. He's already made his millions off previous generous contracts.

Love his attitude - I reckon the footy world will be in for a shock next year.

I also liked his response at the question of being near retirement on 3AW.

Basically said, it's a two year deal. But I think I've got a lot of good footy in me, I think I've got 3 or 4 years left. I'm not coming here to retire in two years.

Cloke in the club video looks as genuinely happy as I've seen him in a very long time, either on the ground or on TV/media. Good for him, good for us.

[Eastdog]

I was pretty happy and liked the idea of Cloke playing for the doggies but after listening to him speak about it I can't wait to see him roaming up to the wings. Our boys haven't really had a monster CHF leading hard at them to get out of the backline since C Grant. With the way he spoke and his attitude this could be a really good move indeed.

Obviously there is skepticism around but I have a bit of a feeling that he will be a good acquisition for us.

[Eastdog]

With the engine Boyd showed in the finals (will only be better next year), the endless options of hard running marking forwards our forward coach will have next year will be amazing. Imagine bringing the ball out of half back and seeing Boyd, Cloke, Crameri, Stringer and Dickson all mobile and presenting, and then Bont and co also pushing forward. Good luck opposition.

Sounds great PP. The opposition will fear us.

[strebla]

Still not 100% on this but Bevo wants him so it gets my vote welcome aboard and good luck Trav.

[KT31]

I was happy when we snagged him for nothing but what a great attitude, it may take a few games but I can see Trav fitting in very nicely and also see him playing for us for more than the two year deal.

[1eyedog]

I was happy when we snagged him for nothing but what a great attitude, it may take a few games but I can see Trav fitting in very nicely and also see him playing for us for more than the two year deal.

Future Father / Sons?

[Axe Man]