Cloke might be dropped again in AFL

Travis Cloke’s revolving door at Collingwood could claim him again for the Saturday night clash with fierce AFL rivals Carlton.

If Darcy Moore can prove his fitness after a month out with a fractured collarbone, he will probably resume playing in the seniors.

“If he (Moore) is fit, he’ll play – we think he’ll play at senior level,” coach Nathan Buckley told Fox Footy’s AFL360.

That could mean Cloke is dropped to the VFL again, despite an improved performance in Friday night’s win over Fremantle.

After playing the first four games this season, Cloke was dropped for Anzac Day and did not return to the senior team until round 11.

He was then dropped again for round 12, then recalled for last Friday night after their mid-season bye.

Cloke’s inability to cement a senior berth this season has fuelled speculation about his future at Collingwood.

By contrast, Moore had played every senior game this season until his round-10 injury.

“I’m feeling really well-prepared so hopefully I can get through the week,” Moore told Fox Footy.

Buckley said there are a lot of selection issues for the Magpies.

“There is always focus on particular individuals in the game and Clokey is one of them for us,” he said.

“Five wins and eight losses – we’re still looking for our best mix.”

Former Magpies captain Nick Maxwell has weighed into the Cloke debate, saying Buckley should have praised him more publicly after the key forward’s two goals and seven marks against the Dockers.

“Trav is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s also a guy who needs confidence,” Maxwell told Channel Seven’s Talking Footy.

“So I would have loved Bucks to pump him up a little bit more … hopefully behind closed doors that happened.

“I thought he was really good – he was solid and he deserves another week.”

Meanwhile, Collingwood might have lost defender Tom Langdon for the rest of the season with knee surgery.

Langdon has not played since round six because of an ankle injury and now a knee problem meant last week’s operation.

Magpies football manager Neil Balme said Langdon’s recovery could be long-term, which could mean the season given there are nine rounds left and the Magpies are unlikely finalists.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!