Everyone Has A Story – Jason Cloke

BY – JACKSON CLARK

TWITTER – @jclark182

 

It is not easy being the son of an AFL legend, especially when you ply your trade for the biggest football club in the land.

But Jason Cloke was able to overcome the external pressure and a heart-breaking suspension in his debut season to forge a serviceable 76-game career in the black and white.

Cloke had a fast start to his football career earning a Rising Star nomination and collecting the Harry Collier Trophy for Collingwood’s best first year player in his opening season.

But that same year he was controversially handed a two-week suspension for a striking offence on Adelaide’s Tyson Edwards in the preliminary final.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the 20-year-old Cloke.

“A lot of things went through my head that week.” Cloke told Lace Out Podcast.

“I didn’t really see that I did anything wrong, that’s just the way I played footy.

“I wish I could have played in that grand final, who doesn’t want to play in a grand final?”

Cloke overcame this setback to find a niche in the Magpies’ backline before being joined by his two brothers, Cameron and Travis, at the club.

“It was grouse having two brothers at the club.

“Growing up we were a tight knit family and still to this day we are always doing things together.”

Cloke struggled with form and injury in the second half of his career before eventually being delisted from the club in 2006.

After a stint in the VFL, he returned to local football and still enjoys a kick with his brother Cameron.

“I have gone back to play some football with my younger brother Cam; we are playing together at Craigieburn.

“It’s been good, we are at the top end of the ladder and both he and I are high up in the league goal kicking so it’s been fun.”

Full Jason Cloke Interview for Lace Out

 

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About Jackson Clark

Born and bred in Darwin, Northern Territory, I am a young, aspiring football writer that lives and breathes the game of Australian Football. I'm also a keen player and coach.

Comments

  1. John Butler says

    G’day Jackson

    The link to the Lace Out full interview isn’t working for me.

    Did you get to ask Jason if he keeps in touch with Setanta? :)

    Cheers

  2. John Butler says

    No Setanta. Cameron may not care to discuss the matter. Probably wise.

    Nevertheless, an interesting insight into life after the circus has left town.

    Keep up the good work Jackson.

    Cheers

    PS: thanks to DB for Sunday website administrative services.

  3. Jason Cloke’s first season was by far his best – a most influential player in 2002. Had he played that Grand Final the result probably would have been different.

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