Cloke asks Magpies for AFL trade

It’s official: Travis Cloke has told Collingwood he wants to start afresh at another AFL club.

Speculation Cloke was on the move has been rife for weeks after the out-of-favour forward managed just 13 games this season and was dropped to the VFL three times by coach Nathan Buckley.

The 29-year-old has a year left on his contract, but his manager told the club on Tuesday he wanted to be traded after 246 senior appearances for the Pies.

“Collingwood can confirm that veteran forward Travis Cloke this morning asked to be released from the final year of his contract,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday.

“While Travis remains contracted to play for Collingwood in 2017, all at Collingwood respect Travis’ right to explore his options and acknowledge his 12 years of exceptional senior service.”

Cloke has been linked with a move to the Western Bulldogs, who will contest finals this season but have struggled in attack.

Cloke’s decision continues the far-reaching list remodel Buckley began when he took over from Mick Malthouse before the 2012 season.

Dane Swan announced his retirement last week, with fellow members of the 2010 premiership team like Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw, Heritier Lumumba, Dayne Beams, Chris Dawes, Brent Macaffer and Sharrod Wellingham joining him in retirement or switching to other clubs.

TRAVIS CLOKE AT COLLINGWOOD:

Drafted: Father-son selection, 39th overall, at the 2004 AFL draft

AFL Debut: Round five 2005 against Essendon in the Anzac Day blockbuster

Senior appearances: 246

Career goals: 441

Honours: Copeland Trophy (club best and fairest) winner 2007, Premiership player 2010, Collingwood leading goal-kicker 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, All Australian 2011, 2013.

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