Pie 65 wrote:A mate of Dale Thomas down Sale told me that Dale asked Travis straight up. The conversation went something like this.
Dale Thomas - what is the hold up Travis, you staying or going.
Travis Cloke - I want to re-sign and stay, but Dad won't let me.
Dale Thomas - looks like you will be at Melbourne or Fremantle next year.
Travis Cloke - I'm in a no win situation, I can't resign here now b/c of dad & I fear Collingwood will re-sign other players meaning I can't stay.
No wonder he is playing badly. His mind is totally cluttered. Remember last time he resigned for us when he was in Bali, Travis over-ruled his father then.
David Cloke has is eyes on the Melbourne deal.
The quite word from multiple sources now (inc some journos like Sheehan On the Coach and Brad Hardie who does the 6PR Perth Sports Tonight program from the 3AW studios; Mick Malthouse said the 7 year deal with Melbourne was on) is that:-
Melbourne have offered Travis Cloke a 7 year contract @ 7 million.
They will front end it.
So Melbourne pay $2 million each of the first and second years of Travis contract; while their team is ordinary, and then still have money for their developing list when they are up and running. Melbourne also get 3 first picks in this draft.
Travis and his old man can't say no. That is why they have backed out of negotiations with Collingwod all together and David and Ralph Carr will not return calls or no longer talk about it through Mark Robinson in the Herald Sun or AFL 360. There was a time Robbo was on about it every night. Now nothing.
David Cloke has made his mind up and we (including Travis), all have to suffer.
Everyone thinks free agency means, players go to the top teams. If you look at the NFL in America, it is the exact opposite. Players go to teams with Salary Cap room.
With Mitch Clark and Travis Cloke and 3 first round draft picks and lots and lots of salary cap room. Melbourne see themselves as set.
Forget Travis Cloke's form this year.
Next year, he will have a clear mind at Melbourne and with Mitch Clark, they will make quite a pair.