MPNFL 2019: Travis Cloke to line-up for Tyabb against Somerville

Travis Cloke will make a cameo appearance with Tyabb in the Mornington Peninsula league on Saturday and he will wear the 32 jumper he carried with distinction at Collingwood.

Travis Cloke celebrates a goal during his stint with the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images.

Travis Cloke says he can’t wait to be a Yabbie.

The former Collingwood and Western Bulldogs star will make a football comeback on Saturday when he pulls on the boots for the Tyabb Yabbies in the Mornington Peninsula league.

And while he’s in good shape physically for the one-off appearance, he’s not promising to light up Bunguyan Reserve. He says his main aim is to help the Yabs win.

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“I’ve been retired 18 months roughly and I wouldn’t say I’ve blown out with my weight,” he said.

“I’ve actually gone the other way, I’ve lost weight if anything.

“I‘ve been going to the gym a bit and I’m involved at Collingwood with the pathways program so I’m kicking footys most days.

Travis Cloke tries on a Tyabb jumper alongside Yabbies coach Aaron Pacey.

“But I’m unsure about my goal kicking, I haven’t kicked a ball at goal in a long time so I’ll wait and see how that goes.’’

A big crowd is expected at the Tyabb ground to watch Cloke don the No. 32 jumper — the number he wore in 246 games for Collingwood — against local rivals Somerville.

Cloke says he’s missed the cut and thrust of playing and is genuinely looking forward to the game.

“I look forward to rubbing shoulders with a few boys and having a few tackles because you don’t experience that in everyday life,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting 21 new teammates and a whole new football club. To me, local football is what drives communities.”

And Cloke feels like he’s already formed a bond with one Tyabb player.

Travis Cloke kicks his first goal as a Bulldog in 2017. Picture: Michael Klein

Young Yabbie James Holland-Burch wears the 32 jumper but is relinquishing it for the day so Cloke can wear it.

“I’ll have to say thank you and maybe buy him a drink after the game,” Cloke said.

“I really appreciate it. I’ll hand it back in a respectable condition that he hands it to me.”

Club president Mark Brady said the sleepy Tyabb township was abuzz this week, looking forward to welcoming big Trav into the Yabbie pond.

“Hopefully he clunks a few and puts a few through the big sticks,’’ Brady said.

“He’s very fit and keen as mustard. I’m sure he’s going to put on a good display for everyone.’’

Even the opposition is looking forward to having Cloke out there.

Somerville coach Brad Canavan said it would be great experience for his young players to go up against one of the best contested marks in AFL history. He said Eagles captain Ben Sedgwick had put his hand up to play on Cloke.

“You can make it all about Cloke and forget about the other 17 blokes on the field,’’ Canavan said.

“’Sedgy’ has put his hand up to play on Cloke. We will back our captain and centre half-back of the year last season. He goes alright doesn’t he?’’

Cloke will speak at a luncheon before the game and stay back after the game while his jumper is auctioned off.