Collingwood have finally re-signed Travis Cloke, after caving in to the AFL power forward’s demand for a five-year deal.
Talks had been put on hold earlier this year, amid concerns slow-moving negotiations could distract the Magpies from their premiership bid.
At that stage, the Magpies had been firm in their insistence they would not offer more than a four-year contract.
Several clubs, including Carlton, now coached by Cloke’s former Magpies premiership coach Mick Malthouse, had been seeking to swoop.
But six days after Collingwood’s season ended in a preliminary final loss to Sydney, they have reached terms with Cloke on a five-year arrangement.
Defender Harry O’Brien, 25, has also re-signed, until the end of 2014.
It leaves Sharrod Wellingham, Tyson Goldsack and Andrew Krakouer as the most notable Collingwood players still unsigned for next season.
Magpies director of football Geoff Walsh said the length of the deal demonstrated their high faith in Cloke, although he said there were conditions attached to the fifth year.
“It’s obviously a long commitment from both parties which, from our point of view, reflects the regard we hold Travis in and our faith in his ability to play good football for a long time to come,” Walsh said.
“I think it’s also a reflection of Travis’ regard for Collingwood.
“He said all along that he wanted to stay at the Westpac Centre and clearly he’s prepared to make Collingwood his football home for many years.
“Although the negotiations have been protracted all parties have always been working towards the common goal of Travis remaining a Collingwood player.
“The final year is not unencumbered. There are conditions that will remain a matter for Collingwood and Travis, but clearly both parties are comfortable with them.”
Cloke, 25, will be 30 by the time he completes his new deal, most likely making him a career Magpie.
The big forward had a patchy season but still kicked 59 goals in 25 games, led the AFL in contested marks and was one of the Magpies’ best in two of their three finals.
