Travis Chases Old Slice Of Fame

wrennyboy

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Hard yakka: Travis Cloke helps out with the work at the house of his brother, Jason.
Picture: Michael Dodge

TRAVIS Cloke regards himself as just another kid on the field, despite his famous football pedigree.

The youngest son of former Richmond and Collingwood champion, David, is preparing to follow brothers Jason and Cameron into the AFL.

The 17-year-old Eastern Ranges forward feels the pressure of carrying the Cloke name, but knows what he had to do to enhance the family tradition.

"There's extra pressure, but you really don't notice when you're out on the field," Cloke said.

"You're just another kid on the park kicking the footy.

"Nothing comes on a silver platter, you've got to get out and get it.

"It won't come if you don't work."

Cloke has spent most of his junior football in defence, so this year is relishing his new role as a forward.

He is eligible to be drafted this year, although he is a "bottom-age' player in the under-18s.

He has already had expressions of interest from Richmond and the Magpies.

His brothers, Jason and Cameron, were both drafted to Collingwood under the father-son rule, but Richmond, where David Cloke played 219 games, is also an option for Travis.

"I wouldn't mind going to Collingwood, but Richmond's also pretty interested," he said.

"I have to weigh up my options at the end of the year and see if I get drafted.

"I could stay out, finish my schooling. play Eastern Ranges and go in the draft as a top age player next year.

"Richmond have expressed interest. Collingwood sent letters this year and last year, but Richmond are pretty heavy at the moment.

"Richmond have said they'll pick me this year if I'm willing. So have Collingwood.

"I'd be happy to go to either."

The 195cm Cloke, an All-Australian in the under-15s, said he had never been short of advice from his parents or his brothers.

"I definitely get advice from mum as well as dad," he said.

"Mum has been involved in it the whole time.

"And Jason and Cameron give me advice to keep concentrating, always go to training and do the team things."

Jason, who plays mainly in defence for Collingwood, said while he would love his younger brother to join him and Cameron at the Magpies, he would be happy for him to be drafted to any AFL club.

"I'd love to see him at Collingwood, but I'd just love to see him playing AFL," he said.

"It doesn't matter if he goes to Brisbane or whatever, Trav doesn't really care.

"It would be great fun if he comes to Collingwood, but the boys have got two Clokes there now and with another one down there, they might think: What's going on?"

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,9297349%5E19897,00.html
 

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