| David Cloke | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | (1955-01-28)28 January 1955 (age 70) | ||
| Place of birth | Victoria[1] | ||
| Original team(s) | Oakleigh Juniors[2] | ||
| Debut | 1974,Richmond vs.Fitzroy, atJunction Oval | ||
| Height | 196 cm (6 ft 5 in) | ||
| Weight | 106 kg (234 lb) | ||
| Position(s) | Ruckman/Tall forward | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1974–1982 | Richmond | 176 (261) | |
| 1983–1989 | Collingwood | 114 (51) | |
| 1990–1991 | Richmond | 43 (11) | |
| Total | 333 (323) | ||
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1991. | |||
| Career highlights | |||
| |||
| Sources:AFL Tables,AustralianFootball.com | |||
David Cloke (born 28 January 1955) is a formerAustralian rules footballer who played for theRichmond Football Club and theCollingwood Football Club in theAustralian Football League (AFL).
A tough and skilled footballer with an imposing physique and trademark moustache, Cloke spent most of his career either in the ruck or as a key forward. His three sons also played football at AFL level.
Cloke began his senior football career with VFA clubOakleigh where he played alongside his brotherPeter, and in 1974 he went to Richmond. Cloke was a premiership player in his debut season with the Tigers and went on to play 219VFL games from 1974 to 1982 (including another winningGrand Final in 1980) and in 1990–1991. In between, he played with Collingwood, where he added another 114 league games.[2]
Cloke kicked a total of 323 goals during his eighteen-season AFL career, before retiring in 1991. Cloke came second in theBrownlow Medal in 1984, 3 votes behind winnerPeter Moore. He achieved All Australian selection after representing Victoria at the Perth State of Origin Carnival of 1979.[2]
In 1992, post his VFL/AFL career, he joinedAinslie Football Club in theACT as captain-coach, and guided them to a flag, a success repeated the following year when he won theAlex Jesaulenko Trophy for best afield in the grand final. Cloke's only club best and fairest award came in 1992 with Ainslie. He did, however, achieve All Australian selection after representing Victoria at the1979 Perth State of Origin Carnival.[2] He joinedVictorian Football Association clubPort Melbourne as non-playing coach in 1994, although did come out of retirement to play a handful of games during the season due to his team's long injury list.[4]
David was inducted into Richmond's Hall of Fame in 2007.[3]
David's three sons,Jason,Cameron andTravis were all originally recruited in theAFL 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 byCarlton in 2006 and then joinedPort Adelaide for one season in 2010.
Cloke is married to Julie and they have five adult children, Jason, Cameron, Travis, Jodie and Teigan.[5]
