Travis Cloke set to take pay cut to join premiers Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval
TRAVIS Cloke is set to sacrifice more than half his salary to get a deal done with premiers Western Bulldogs, plus news on Marley Williams and Will Hoskin-Elliott.
Collingwood
Don't miss out on the headlines from Collingwood. Followed categories will be added to My News.
TRAVIS Cloke will sacrifice more than half his current salary to get a deal done with premiers Western Bulldogs, according to leading player agent Paul Connors.
Cloke, 29, is looking for a fresh start at the Whitten Oval after struggling for consistent at Collingwood this year.
“It’s a significant pay cut. Over 50 per cent,” Connors said.
“Travis is going there for very minimal money.
“The money is irrelevant to Travis, he’s had a good career he’s made his money along the way.”
Cloke could get to the Bulldogs for as little as a fourth-round draft pick — currently 59.
Cloke’s manager, Robbie D’Orazio, who works in the Connors stable, is set to meet with Bulldogs officials as early as next week.
“I think now’s not the time for us to go in and bang down the door, let them enjoy the week, we’ll catch up with them in a week or so,” Connors told AFL Trade Radio.
“We’d like to think the deal will be done, forget the pick for a second, there’s an understanding I think from both parties that probably time’s up for Travis at the Pies, the relationship is healthy and fine but I think a new home will be good for him.”
Cloke’s father, David told the Herald Sun the Magpies premiership forward was looking forward to playing for Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
“He is looking forward to next season and a new opportunity with new thoughts and a coach who has confidence in the way he knows he can play,” David Cloke said.
“That’s what Luke Beveridge shows in his players. He has confidence in Travis and knows him from their time at Collingwood a number of years back.”
Meanwhile, Magpies small forward Jarryd Blair will stay at the club, but the future of Marley Williams remains in the balance.
“He (Blair) stays. I think he deserves two (years),” Connors said.
“He’s been a warrior, everyone wants someone to go past Jarryd Blair but they never do.”
Connors remains in discussions with Collingwood about Williams.
“Not 100 per cent sure,” he said.
CONTRACTED GWS Giants forward Will Hoskin-Elliott could land at Collingwood during the trade period if a deal can be done.
“Sadly for Will, he’s been injured this year so he hasn’t had a great run at it,” Connors said.
“There’s a likelihood that Will will look to come back to Melbourne. (Collingwood are) probably our preferred club if possible.”
Connors said the prospect of potentially playing in a premiership at GWS could influence Hoskin-Elliott’s decision.
“Absolutely, and that’s the heavy heart you’ve got to make the decision if you’re Will or someone like myself guiding these players, you don’t just jump for the sake of jumping because he can definitely stay.”
Originally published as Travis Cloke set to take pay cut to join premiers Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval
Browne to step down — but which Pies lifer will replace him?
Collingwood president Jeff Browne will depart the club at the end of the year, with the club already sounding out its replacement. Here’s who is in line to take up the big job at the Pies.
‘Crazy brave’ or reckless? Old Pies’ massive trade gamble
Collingwood has the oldest list in the AFL and is again shunning the draft in favour of chasing free agents and older trade targets as its youth flounders. Are they flying too close to the sun?