Cloke: My boy's a class act
21 May 2004 Herald Sun
Jon Anderson
SCHOOL comes first, footy comes second.
That's David Cloke's message to his former clubs Richmond and Collingwood, who are chasing his talented son Travis.
The younger brother of Magpies Jason and Cameron, Travis, 17, is eligible for both clubs under the father-son rule in November's national draft.
But his father says a decision is still a long way off.
"We won't be rushing into a decision as our first priority is for Travis to complete Year 12 in 2005," Cloke said last night.
"It's the media who want us to rush into making a decision. We will be doing what is best for Travis and that could mean he sits out until next year's draft."
On Tuesday, the 197cm left-footer was named in the Victorian Metro under-18 squad of 35 for this year's national championships in Melbourne in July.
Travis usually plays in a key position, but such is his versatility that Cloke Sr said it wouldn't surprise him if his son played on the ball at the championships.
"Travis can play in a number of positions and is a different type of footballer than Jason and Cameron," he said.
The Richmond premiership player has formed David Cloke Management and will manage his sons. "I think some managers have so many on their books that they tend to forget the personal side of things," Cloke said.
"For instance, the schooling is so important and, I suppose, from that perspective, you could say that Collingwood may be favourites with Travis because we have seen their understanding with Jason and Cameron. But I will speak with Richmond and see what their considerations are in this area before any decision is reached."
Richmond head of football Greg Miller said last night the Tigers had held preliminary discussions with Cloke about Travis's future.
"Of course, we would love him to play with us, but as I understand it that decision is a fair way off yet," Miller said.
"He is an exciting young talent."
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,9619001%255E19771,00.html
