David Cloke

David Cloke (born 28 January 1955) is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the VFL/AFL.

Cloke was a powerful ruckman and occasional forward who enjoyed a marvellous career at two VFL/AFL clubs. He began with Oakleigh where he played alongside his brother Peter, and in 1974 he went to Richmond. Cloke was a premiership player in his debut season with the Tigers and went on to afford great service in 219 VFL games from 1974 to 1982 (including another winning Grand Final in 1980) and in 1990-91. In between, he played with equal effectiveness for Collingwood, where he added another 114 league games.

Always a threat when resting in the forward lines, Cloke kicked a total of 323 goals during his eighteen season VFL career, before retiring in 1991. Cloke came second in the Brownlow Medal in 1984, 3 votes behind winner Peter Moore. He achieved All Australian selection after representing Victoria at the Perth state of origin carnival of 1979.

In 1992, post his VFL/AFL career, he ACTAFL club Ainslie as captain-coach, and promptly steered them to a flag, a success repeated the following year when he won the Alex Jesaulenko Trophy for best afield in the grand final. Somewhat surprisingly, given his all round value for the teams he played with, David Cloke's only club best and fairest award came in 1992 with Ainslie. He did, however, achieve All Australian selection after representing Victoria at the Perth state of origin carnival of 1979.

David's three sons, Jason, Cameron and Travis were all originally recruited in the AFL for Collingwood. However, Jason has since been cut by the club before returning to play for Collingwood's VFL side, Williamstown and Cameron was recruited by Carlton in 2006. David was inducted into Richmond's Hall of Fame in 2007.

References

• Hogan P: The Tigers Of Old , Richmond FC, Melbourne 1996