Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury wants Travis Cloke to stay at the Pies

COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury “absolutely” hopes forward teammate Travis Cloke stays at the club.

COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury “absolutely” hopes forward teammate Travis Cloke stays at the club.

Cloke, 29, is contracted for next season but has reportedly been exploring his trade options, though Pendlebury strongly hopes Sunday’s narrow loss to Hawthorn wasn’t the premiership goalkicker’s last game in black and white.

“Absolutely,” Pendlebury said.

“He’s contracted, so I don’t see why not. He played really well today.”

Cloke was dropped to the VFL on three occasions this season, recalled to the Magpies’ senior outfit for Sunday’s home and away season-closing clash at the MCG.

Travis Cloke shows his passion for the Collingwood jumper during Sunday’s loss to Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Pendlebury admitted that his teammate has “battled” form slumps this year, but insisted that the saga has not been felt inside the Holden Centre.

“He’s battled with his own form at times this year, but he’s no different from any other player,” he told the Herald Sun.

“Internally, it’s not been a rollercoaster.

“Absolutely (I want him to stay).”

Cloke’s father and co-manager said as recently as a fortnight ago that things are set to be worked through at the end of the season.

And for Collingwood, that’s today.

He was almost the one to deliver Collingwood glory on Sunday, booting a goal to draw the Magpies level after a number of nervous moments.

One in particular saw him mark the ball overhead 30 metres out from goal, go back and miss the set shot.

Travis Cloke provided a good option all day up forward for Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“That’s the story of his career,” five-time Collingwood leading goalkicker Brian Taylor declared on radio.

Collingwood’s season has been one to forget, producing just nine wins and a 12th-place finish.

Coach Nathan Buckley and the playing group were under heat at various times throughout the year, but Pendlebury said it has not affected the group.

“It’s been a rollercoaster (year) for the media. Internally, it’s never been a rollercoaster for me,” he said.

“Whether you’re playing finals or not, it’s quite monotonous, actually, if you’re inside a football club. We just go about our business. Externally it’s been a rollercoaster for the club but internally it’s been very process-driven.”

Originally published as Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury wants Travis Cloke to stay at the Pies