Tiger Jake already revving up for a better season Mark Stevens and Jon Ralph
From: Herald Sun
September 02, 2012 RICHMOND forward Jake King says the Tigers do not need Travis Cloke, backing Tyrone Vickery to rebound from his disastrous season.
King finally took delivery during the week of his McCulley Customs Chopper, but has been given strict rules by the club not to behave like an "idiot" on it or ride it into the club.
It is a labour of a love for King, who cannot ride it yet given recent foot and wrist surgery and more operations this week to reconstruct his posterior cruciate ligament and release his adductor muscle.
He can't wait for next season, but believes given Cloke's battles, the club does not need to attempt to recruit him as a free agent.
"Last year when Ty and Jack (Riewoldt) were playing together they were pretty much unstoppable," King said. "Ty had a rough year this year with getting his shoulders redone, but he will come back bigger and better.
"I reckon, with the form Cloke is in now, I would rather Ty any day of the week."
The Tigers finish their season against Port Adelaide at the MCG today and King hopes Trent Cotchin can push for the Brownlow Medal with a further three-vote performance.
Despite a push from some to appoint Cotchin captain, King says Chris Newman is such an amazing skipper it would be wrong to change the leadership.
"Cotch is awesome. But Newy has so much respect through the playing group and whole club," King said.
"All in good time, whether it is Cotch who will step up, but while Newy is still going there is no better person to be in that role so I hope he does keep going for a few more years."
King initially shipped a motorbike from the US, but given the difficulty in converting it, decided to start again from scratch with the boys from McCulley Customs in Whittlesea.
"We ended up building a bike. It took 12 months and it puts a big smile on my face," he said. "The club has said as long as you are responsible on it, and aren't seen being a hoon on it or doing anything stupid, they will accept it.
"I can go for nice rides on a summer's day, but I wouldn't be riding it into the club. Damien (Hardwick) and (head of footy) Craig Cameron have been really good, but they said the first time you are an idiot on it, the bike is going. I respect that."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/tiger-jake-already-revving-up-for-a-better-season/story-fn7shx05-1226463114782
