EDFL: Cameron Cloke considered a year off football after transfer tug of war involving Jacana and Hurstbridge

CAMERON Cloke has revealed he considered a year away from football after his failed transfer to Hurstbridge before spearheading Jacana’s drought-breaking premiership.

Cameron Cloke celebrates one of his 127 goals for Jacana last season. Picture: Mark Dadswell.

CAMERON Cloke has revealed he considered a year away from football after his failed transfer to Hurstbridge before spearheading Jacana’s drought-breaking premiership.

The star forward booted 127 goals in 19 games as the Jaguars claimed the Essendon District Football League Division 2 flag last year with a 25-point grand final win over Coburg Districts.

The former Collingwood, Carlton and Port Adelaide player inked a two-year deal with Jacana, but filed a clearance to join the Bridges last March.

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The Jaguars dug their heels in, declaring Cloke would play for them or not at all.

It was an option he seriously considered, sitting out the club’s opening-round loss to Coburg Districts, before slotting seven goals on debut against Northern Saints in Round 2.

“There was a chance that I was going to have a year off,” Cloke said.

Travis and Cameron Cloke have joined Northern Football League club Hurstbridge. Picture: Tim Michell.

“Then I thought about it for a few weeks and I missed Round 1 with Jacana.

“It was very hard, because I just love footy.

“I thought about it and realised I am 33 now, I was 32 at that stage, and a year out might have ended me.”

Cloke, who has since signed with Northern league club Hurstbridge for 2018 alongside his brother Travis, said he was buoyed by the way he was embraced upon returning to Jacana.

“I must say, it was kind of daunting going back to the club that first game,” he said.

“But the boys acted like nothing had happened.

“It was really welcoming and I am really happy that I played out the year with a great bunch of blokes. To get the grand final was just unreal.”

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a successful community career since his time in the AFL ended in 2010, playing in premierships with Bundoora, Craigieburn and Jacana.

The Jaguars have replaced him by signing his older brother Jason from Western Region club Parkside, where he kicked 118 goals in 2017.

Cameron’s boots won’t be easy to fill, a fact he reminds Jason of often.

“Don’t worry, I tell him every day at work,” he said.

Jacana opens its Division 1 campaign on Friday, April 13 against Westmeadows.