EDFL 2019: Cameron Cloke impressing at training with Jacana

Jacana coach Matthew Huy says star signing Cameron Cloke is fit and ready to fire in the EDFL in 2019, and has issued a warning to opposition clubs.

Cameron Cloke is set to have a big impact at Jacana in 2019. Picture: David Smith

JACANA coach Matthew Huy has warned rival clubs star recruit Cameron Cloke will not be easily blanketed this season as the Essendon District Football League Division 2 outfit eyes a successful campaign.

Cloke terrorised opposition defences in 2017, booting 127 goals in a premiership year for the Jaguars.

Huy, who is preparing for his first season at the helm, said the 34-year-old “hasn’t missed a beat” and will be a force in the attacking half this season.

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“No matter who they (defenders) are, it’s going to be a big task to keep him quiet,” Huy said.

“He’s a big, big forward and quite strong. He’s been up in Queensland holidaying and sent me a photo and he was training up there. He’s still doing bits and pieces.

“He’s very excited too and very positive about the year, especially having played two years ago. He rates the side just as good, if not better, from what he’s seen and the new guys coming in.”

Jacana celebrates its 2017 premiership triumph. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Cloke played five matches for Hurstbridge in the Northern league last year before crossing to Murray league club Barooga and contributing 36 majors from 11 games.

The former Collingwood, Carlton and Port Adelaide-listed AFL player has signed on as a playing assistant coach and will be looking to reinvigorate Jacana after it was relegated from Division 1 in 2018.

“Being the assistant too, it will be the leadership out there and those little things that you don’t see that he’ll do — whether it’s niggling at an opponent or putting a block on,” Huy said.

“No doubt players are going to try and come back and double team Clokey, but obviously that’s going to free someone up. You’re only stopping one bloke and there are still another 17 blokes out there that can get the job done.

“You see it even in the warm-ups (at training), he’s just that extra little bit of voice.

“Everything seems to be switched on straight away. It’s not taking 5-10 minutes for a drill to actually sink in. They’re up and about, which is great.”

While the Jaguars were hampered by low training numbers at times in 2018, there has been a buzz on the training track this off-season.

Dylan Hoysted (Whittlesea), Bailey Dalgleish (Moonee Valley), Kane Murfett (Pascoe Vale), Justin Cluney (Reservoir) and Dale Keenan (Wallan) are among the other recruits.

Billy Morrison, Josh Young and Jacob Austin have crossed to Division 1 outfit Craigieburn.

“Very happy with the group I’ve got. It’s very exciting,” Huy said.

“The training before Christmas, they were champing at the bit. They were all keen and upbeat and didn’t find many excuses not to do the training.

“We’re looking at having a very successful year, hopefully both on and off the field, which the club has lacked for the past year.”

Jacana will host Burnside Heights under lights in its season opener on Friday, April 5.