Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Travis Cloke

[GVGjr]

The more I read about Travis Cloke the more upbeat I feel about him joining us - it just makes a lot of sense, especially with Big Jack out until very late in the season. If Tom Campbell continues to come on he and Roughie could share ruck duties allowing Tom Boyd to play forward. Travis has a pretty good tank and his tackling is excellent. Zaine Cordy, a crunching tackler, could slot in down back placing a lot of pressure on our defenders to get a spot in the line up as Marcus Adams will be back too. We have a lot of problems to nut out at selection.

I don't think we can play 2 ruckman if we have Boyd, Crameri, Cloke and Stringer up forward because one of those ruckman also need to be used up forward.

I think we need to accept that Tom Boyd is a forward who needs to spend a fair bit of time in the ruck and that we will go into almost all games with one ruckman.

Back to Cloke, he has plenty of motivation to push himself hard over the summer and despite his highly regarded status as a key forward with the Pies he will have to earn a spot up forward with us.

[1eyedog]

Stringer and Crameri don't play tall.

Can Roughie rest down back on their ruck? I remember Bevo saying numerous times last year that we'll play tall meaning Camhead Red and Boyd.

[bulldogtragic]

I almost can't believe the photos of Travis at training today. He's slimmed down incredibly from when I saw him this year and is also still ripped muscle wise in the arms and legs. He looks like a very tall midfielder, and hopefully his training KPFs with running, sprints and repeat efforts match the photos. It's hard not to get excited by what's he's been able to do already, let alone getting him for nothing and paying him minimum wage. I can't wait to see exactly how Bevo & Hansen are going to use him.

[1eyedog]

I almost can't believe the photos of Travis at training today. He's slimmed down incredibly from when I saw him this year and is also still ripped muscle wise in the arms and legs. He looks like a very tall midfielder, and hopefully his training KPFs with running, sprints and repeat efforts match the photos. It's hard not to get excited by what's he's been able to do already, let alone getting him for nothing and paying him minimum wage. I can't wait to see exactly how Bevo & Hansen are going to use him.

Massive tank. I can see Bevo turning him into a highly mobile Nick Riewoldt-type rather than the goal square monster he's been over the better part of his career.

[bulldogtragic]

Massive tank. I can see Bevo turning him into a highly mobile Nick Riewoldt-type rather than the goal square monster he's been over the better part of his career.

Yep, my guess is seeing a player like Matty Richardson (in last couple of years) or Sooky this year as you say. From memory Richo gave the Brownlow a real shake after his move up to the wing/high half forward, and still kicked enough goals. If we can get something like that added into the premiership player mix then that's a lovely dollop of cream on top.

[1eyedog]

Yep, my guess is seeing a player like Matty Richardson (in last couple of years) or Sooky this year as you say. From memory Richo gave the Brownlow a real shake after his move up to the wing/high half forward, and still kicked enough goals. If we can get something like that added into the premiership player mix then that's a lovely dollop of cream on top.

Agreed. He has the potential to be a serious target, something we did lack at times although clearly we found other ways. A Cloke with confidence could make it easier for us. The other massive dynamic in out favour is Crameri. Those two players give us scope to crush our enemies in half a quarter of footy.

Would love to be unbeatable, a Brisbane / Geelong / Hawthorn-like dynasty with 3 or 4 cups locked away would be epic.

[bulldogtragic]

Agreed. He has the potential to be a serious target, something we did lack at times although clearly we found other ways. A Cloke with confidence could make it easier for us. The other massive dynamic in out favour is Crameri. Those two players give us scope to crush our enemies in half a quarter of footy.

Would love to be unbeatable, a Brisbane / Geelong / Hawthorn-like dynasty with 3 or 4 cups locked away would be epic.

And a dynasty is on the cards too if we play to our potential. Crameri, Picken & Cloke could have another 3 years of decent footy. Morris might have another one after 2017. I don't think Boyd & Bob go passed 2017. Our young guns hit their peaks and kids come up and surprise and add in a couple of free agents or trades. Never been a greater time to be a member.

[1eyedog]

And a dynasty is on the cards too if we play to our potential. Crameri, Picken & Cloke could have another 3 years of decent footy. Morris might have another one after 2017. I don't think Boyd & Bob go passed 2017. Our young guns hit their peaks and kids come up and surprise and add in a couple of free agents or trades. Never been a greater time to be a member.

Agreed. Its not a window it's a wormhole to another reality.

[westdog54]

Yep, my guess is seeing a player like Matty Richardson (in last couple of years) or Sooky this year as you say. From memory Richo gave the Brownlow a real shake after his move up to the wing/high half forward, and still kicked enough goals. If we can get something like that added into the premiership player mix then that's a lovely dollop of cream on top.

Yep I'm pretty sure he finished 3rd behind Cooney and GAJ in 2008.

If we get a third of that from Cloke we've done exceptionally well.

[bulldogtragic]

Yep I'm pretty sure he finished 3rd behind Cooney and GAJ in 2008.

If we get a third of that from Cloke we've done exceptionally well.

And if we do, everyone (including the media) have got to think why didn't Buckley want to encourage and facilitate this change in his game?

[1eyedog]

And if we do, everyone (including the media) have got to think why didn't Buckley want to encourage and facilitate this change in his game?

Collingwood missing out and Cloke having a good year would be the end of Bucks from a coaching and people management perspective.

[westdog54]

Yep, my guess is seeing a player like Matty Richardson (in last couple of years) or Sooky this year as you say. From memory Richo gave the Brownlow a real shake after his move up to the wing/high half forward, and still kicked enough goals. If we can get something like that added into the premiership player mix then that's a lovely dollop of cream on top.

I'm very, very tempted to have a "Travis Cloke will kick more goals than Chris Mayne" bet with a good mate of mine who is a Collingwood supporter.

[Twodogs]

Agreed. He has the potential to be a serious target, something we did lack at times although clearly we found other ways. A Cloke with confidence could make it easier for us. The other massive dynamic in out favour is Crameri. Those two players give us scope to crush our enemies in half a quarter of footy.

Would love to be unbeatable, a Brisbane / Geelong / Hawthorn-like dynasty with 3 or 4 cups locked away would be epic.

Crameri running up one side of the ground and Cloke the other. Two targets for the guys coming out of defence.

Collingwood missing out and Cloke having a good year would be the end of Bucks from a coaching and people management perspective.

They'll blame it all on Neil Balme and Gubby Allen. And they took decisive action. Neil has been moved on from his position and his replacement has already been suspended.

I'm very, very tempted to have a "Travis Cloke will kick more goals than Chris Mayne" bet with a good mate of mine who is a Collingwood supporter.

Take it for sure.

[choconmientay]

Yesterday XMAS training:

XMASTraining-31 by ChoCon MienTay, on Flickr

XMASTraining-44 by ChoCon MienTay, on Flickr

XMASTraining-140 by ChoCon MienTay, on Flickr

XMASTraining-141 by ChoCon MienTay, on Flickr

XMASTraining-142 by ChoCon MienTay, on Flickr

XMASTraining-154 by ChoCon MienTay, on Flickr

XMASTraining-155 by ChoCon MienTay, on Flickr

[LostDoggy]

I'm very, very tempted to have a "Travis Cloke will kick more goals than Chris Mayne" bet with a good mate of mine who is a Collingwood supporter.

I'm sure you're mate will be wanting to Cash Out WD after Round 1!!