Travis Cloke to be booed by Collingwood cheer squad when they clash with Western Bulldogs

TRAVIS Cloke should prepare for a frosty reception from Collingwood supporters on Friday night, with the Magpies’ cheer squad leader declaring it will boo the new Bulldog.

COLLINGWOOD’S cheer squad has vowed to make Travis Cloke’s first clash in Western Bulldogs colours as tough as possible on Friday night.

After 12 years at the Magpies, the 441-goal spearhead will attempt to kickstart the Dogs’ premiership defence with a win against his former Collingwood teammates at the MCG.

Cheer squad ringleader Jeff “Joffa” Corfe said Cloke, who demanded a trade from Collingwood last season, would receive a frosty reception from the Magpie faithful.

“He plays for the Bulldogs now, he is not a Collingwood player, so he will get what he deserves,” Corfe said.

“What do you expect us to do? Stand up there and clap him as he comes down to the goal square?

“If he thinks he’s going to go down to the Ponsford end and receive some applause he would be mistaken, because I’ll tell you now, that’s not going to happen.

Travis Cloke in his new colours. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We will probably boo him. He is an opposition player wanting to beat Collingwood. When they leave Collingwood they become the enemy.

“I certainly hope he kicks points all night.”

Cloke, 30, has been productive in his first two preseason hit-outs for the Bulldogs, averaging 12.5 disposals and four marks against Melbourne and Gold Coast.

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He has booted two goals, both against the Demons.

Corfe said Collingwood’s forward line, led by young star centre half forward Darcy Moore, American recruit Mason Cox, Jesse White and former Dockers’ utility Chris Mayne was “better off without him”.

“He was on a lot of money at Collingwood. Did he really earn the money he was on?” Corfe said.

Travis Cloke will receive a frosty reception from Collingwood fans on Friday night. Picture: Getty

“Last year he was really disappointing (13 games, 17 goals) and if it was the club’s decision to move him on I think it was the right call.”

The Bulldogs’ clash kicks off a big season for out-of-contract coach Nathan Buckley, who said he will be “on the hook” if the Pies miss finals for a fourth-straight season in 2017.

The Magpies face the Bulldogs, Richmond, Sydney and the improved Saints in the first month.

They tackle all four preliminary finalists in the first eight rounds.

Corfe said the club should ease the public pressure on Buckley by immediately extending his contract.

“This bloke deserves it. The club should come out mow and sign up Bucks for another 12 months,” he said.

“You are a legend of the Collingwood Football Club, we don’t want to put you under this pressure.

“He’s cleaned up the list, he has changed up the culture of the football club, that was evident from who he dismissed from the list four or five years ago, so let’s give the guy a bit of credit.”

Originally published as Travis Cloke to be booed by Collingwood cheer squad when they clash with Western Bulldogs