Melbourne are considering making a push to recruit Collingwood AFL forward Travis Cloke when he becomes a free agent later this year.
Collingwood AFL star Travis Cloke is in Melbourne's sights and would form a formidable combination with Mitch Clark, according to Demons sports performance director Neil Craig.
Craig says the Demons would be among several clubs interested in considering a push to recruit premiership forward Cloke during the AFL's free-agency period at the end of the 2012 season.
All-Australian Cloke is at the peak of his powers at the age of 25. Craig says Cloke would work well as a key forward alongside ex-Lion Clark, who has booted 17 goals in the first seven rounds for the league's bottom side in an impressive debut season for his new club.
Clark is 24 and stands at 200cm, possessing the ability to take big marks deep in the forward line while Cloke would be able to push up through half-forward.
The Demons are believed to have plenty of cash in reserve to throw at some of the AFL's biggest names such as Cloke and St Kilda duo Brendon Goddard and Nick Dal Santo when free agency kicks in later this year.
"Travis Cloke would be in most clubs' sights. He's a key forward, proven in finals football," Craig said on Thursday night.
Craig said Cloke's friendship with Mark Neeld, the former Collingwood assistant who is enduring a win-less first season as Demons mentor, was a significant factor.
"I've never met Travis," Craig told Nine's The Footy Show.
"I know he's got a great work ethic. That comes from Mark Neeld.
"Mark knows him really well. What club wouldn't want a key forward who can play like Travis Cloke?
"To have two key forwards, let's assume that it was Clark and Cloke in the forward line. That's a pretty good combination."
Several clubs including Fremantle are reportedly keen to chase Cloke, although Greater Western Sydney have officially withdrawn from the race to secure the forward who could be the subject of million-dollar offers.
