Essendon's failed attempt to lure Travis Cloke Mark Robinson
Herald Sun
October 24, 2010 10:46PMTRAVIS Cloke rejected a multi-million-dollar, four-year Essendon deal to stay a Magpie.
The Herald Sun can reveal the cashed-up Bombers tried to convince then out-of-contract Cloke to sit out until the pre-season draft, where they hoped to secure him with their first pick, No. 4.
Cloke signed with the Magpies 48 hours after Essendon made its audacious grab for the talented forward at the end of trade week.
Cloke's father and manager David threatened on the last day of trading to put him into the draft. It is believed the Bombers had a plan to get Cloke: by not trading Bachar Houli they would force Richmond to use its pre-season draft pick, thus elevating Essendon up the pecking order.
Gold Coast, West Coast and Richmond have the three picks before the Bombers.
The Suns are understood to be keen to add another youngster to their group, West Coast's move is not categorically known and Richmond will take Houli with the No. 3 pick.
After Cloke Sr's stunning revelation in a radio interview, the hopeful Bombers mounted a hasty, smash-and-grab foray on the Collingwood forward.
Cloke Sr said at the time: "All I said today was, if it can't come to an agreement, the option he has got is to go into the national draft; that if you can't come to terms with Collingwood, his next option is then to go into the draft."
The Bombers then circled.
Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro contacted Cloke Sr after the radio interview, a move ratified by new coach James Hird, and requested talks.
It's believed the four-year deal roughly centred on a figure of about $500,000 a year for Cloke, 23.
Cloke re-signed with Collingwood for two years - and less money than Essendon offered. The cash difference was not seen as enough for Cloke to change clubs.
In Bali with teammates, Cloke was told of Essendon's offer, with a list of pros and cons about staying or leaving.
In Collingwood's favour was that he was a premiership player with a strong opportunity to play in more premierships, his strong family connection with the club and his relationship with coach Mick Malthouse and teammates.
It's not known who Essendon is aiming to take in the pre-season draft, though it appears the club - which worked aggressively to reshape its coaching department, headed by Hird - will be just as aggressive in pursuit of any out-of-contract player.
It was reported the Bombers tried to convince former Carlton ruckman Sam Jacobs to enter the pre-season draft before he was traded to Adelaide.
Cloke Sr refused to comment yesterday. Dodoro was unavailable for comment.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/essendons-failed-attempt-to-lure-travis-cloke/story-e6frf9if-1225942973305
