Collingwood will try to get Travis Cloke trade done

NATHAN Buckley says Collingwood will try to grant Travis Cloke his trade request which could see the key forward become a Bulldog in 2017.

Collingwood forward Travis Cloke wants a trade to the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

COLLINGWOOD will try to grant Travis Cloke his trade request which could see the key forward become a Bulldog in 2017.

Cloke has nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred new home after asking the Magpies to release him from the final year of his contract.

That would likely see Cloke take a significant pay cut next year in any new deal he signs.

It has been a frustrating year for Cloke, who kicked just 17 goals from 13 games this year — his lowest tally since 2006 — and was dropped three times, including for the Magpies’ Anzac Day clash against Essendon.

Cloke, who turns 30 in March, is keen for a fresh start and coach Nathan Buckley said the Pies won’t stand in his way.

“Travis is still with us even though he has asked to move on,” Buckley told last night’s Collingwood members’ forum.

“Frankly, we will do what we need to do to grant him his wish.”

Collingwood forward Travis Cloke wants a trade to the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Cloke said earlier this month the Bulldogs’ game style could get the best out of him.

“I’ve enjoyed watching their footy over the last two years to see how Bevo has changed their whole football club around,” Cloke told Channel 9.

“I actually haven’t spoken to Bevo, but I’m sure in the coming weeks I will. They’ve got their own finals campaign at the moment and they obviously want to do very well.

“If that’s where I do end up, they play an exciting brand of footy and I feel like I could improve their side. But also they can get the best out of me and we can work something out there.”

The Magpies were tight-lipped about potential trade targets but they have been linked with North Melbourne pair Daniel Wells and Nick Dal Santo and Fremantle forward Chris Mayne.

Originally published as Collingwood will try to get Travis Cloke trade done