Travis Cloke - Asset or Liability?

ossie85 · August 19, 2013, 04:41:55 PM

Cloke has lost the plot in front of goals.

He is doing just about everything perfectly, but his attrocious kicking is costing:

- Collingwood. The Gold Coast game in particular could have cost a top 4 spot or home final.

- Team morale. What's the point of busting your guts in the midfield if Cloke misses from 5 metres out?

- Personal awards, only 2 goals behind with 2 games left, Cloke could still win the Coleman - but he should be comfortably in front. I also think he would be All-Australian again this year.

Jarryd Roughead - 60.23.383
Josh Kennedy - 60.20.380
Jeremy Cameron - 60.24.384
Travis Cloke - 58.46.394

He has 12 points more than the next 'best' in Buddy Franklin. He has actually scored more for his team than anybody else! (394 to Cameron's 384).

If he had the same kicking efficiency as Josh Kennedy (not including shots were they missed completely) he'd have kicked 78 goals!

Of the 4 leading goalkickers, he averaged more disposals than all bar Roughead.

He has more marks than anybody in the competition except for Nick Riewoldt.

He has contested marks than anybody in the competition (for the 5th year running)

BUT HIS KICKING IS TERRIBLE

I guess my question is - despite Cloke being massive in nearly all other aspects of the game - does his kicking make him a liability?

Torpedo10 · August 19, 2013, 04:56:18 PM

He is an asset purely because he draws the defenders in. This frees up other targets. If the Pies midfield pass to other forwards they'll perform a lot better.

Jukes · August 19, 2013, 05:52:52 PM

Trade him to Essendon :3 if you don't want him, we'll take him!

Vinny · August 19, 2013, 05:59:12 PM

I don't hate too many players in the AFL, but far out I hate Cloke.

Have to admit has a very good mark but a disaster infront of the sticks. Gets that right and his a freak.

Not going to like him but still a will be good :P

T Dog · August 19, 2013, 07:59:12 PM

A gun Os.. ;D
Takes 2 - 3 defenders watching him each week..can bust out large at any time of any game
If he doesnt line up this week..would that mean Lynch becomes the go to big man...doesn't bare thinking about
In the end IMO ...very glad he is a Pie with enormous upside
8)

Nige · August 19, 2013, 10:02:43 PM

His best is great to watch, but his worst is fairly ordinary. If he can convert his opportunities, he's a massive asset.

MC · August 25, 2013, 06:08:01 PM

I generally close my eyes when he's kicking for goal and pray to the footy gods that he doesn't embarrass himself....

He's a massive man, takes monstrous marks and busts through traffic as easily as you like... But as you said, his goalkicking yips are hard to go past!

At least his ball drop is smoother than Lynch! Albeit with the full use of all of his fingers... ;)