Full Name: DAVID CLOKE
Date of Birth: 28/01/1955
Height: 196 cm ( 6-5 )
Weight: 100.0 kg ( 15-10 )
Guernsey: 16/33/53
Debut: 13/04/1974, Round 2, Fitzroy
Last Game: 31/08/1991, Round 24, Carlton
RICHMOND SENIORS
Seasons: 1974-82, 1990-91
Total Games: 219
Total Goals: 272
Honours: Premiership 1974, 1980, Captain 1982, Victorian Representative Team Games 8 Goals 9, All-AustralianTeam 1979
RICHMOND RESERVES
Seasons: 1973-77
Total Games: 31
Total Goals: 36
Honours: Premiership 1973
BIOGRAPHY
David played his early football on the half-forward line before switching into the ruck. Short for a ruckman he made up for the lack of inches with his determination and excellent use of his 16 stone frame. He had the ability to bring smaller players into the game with his strong bullocking work, clever knock-ons and by using his physical strength to split open packs and clear the way for his teammates. He was a strong mark and a hard man to move in physical clashes. A fine team man he was a great protector of his smaller teammates. A player who never gave in no matter what the circumstances where he also gathered many possessions by playing a kick behind the play. His great football nous and judgement often saw him mark uncontested in these situations and his unusual kicking style usually found its mark.
He won the club’s Best First Year Player award in 1974 and was Inside Footballs VFL Recruit of the Year. He was vice captain in 1980 and 1981, and was awarded Club Life Membership in 1990. He is also a Life Member of the AFL. He was a member of the 1974 and 1980 Premiership sides and captain of Richmond’s last Grand Final side in 1982. He represented Victoria nine times and was selected in the 1979 All-Australian Team. David ran third in the 1978 and 1979 Best and Fairest awards.
In 1983, he crossed to Collingwood where he was vice captain between 1983 and 1987 as well as running second in the 1984 “Brownlow Medal” count. He turned in many fine performances with Richmond and Tiger supporters were glad he decided to finish his playing days at Punt Road. Although he was 36, he still played very consistent senior football and finished his AFL/VFL career with three best-on-ground performances in his last three games, scoring nine “Brownlow” votes in the process. His last game was a fantastic finish to a great career. He had started in the ruck against Carlton; however, late in the first quarter he moved to the forward-pocket where he finished with 8 goals 1 point and helped Richmond to a fine victory. He kicked 5 goals or more 15 times including 7 against Hawthorn in 1979 and 6 against Collingwood in the 1980 Grand Final.
He was playing coach of A.C.T Club Ainslie in 1992 and 1993 and led them to the Premiership in both seasons as well as coaching the combined A.C.T side and winning the Club Best and Fairest in 1992. At the end of the 1993 season, Ainslie amazingly sacked him despite his impressive record over the previous two seasons. He coached VFA club Port Melbourne, in 1994, playing four times, and for the past two seasons he has coached Oakleigh Districts. David is the younger brother of Peter Cloke and brother-in-law of former umpire Peter Cameron. A former bank worker, he also ran a licensed bottle shop in Kew.
PRE RICHMOND
Oakleigh U/13 to U/17 ( Honours - Premiership U/15, Leading Goalkicker 1970 ).
POST RICHMOND
Collingwood Seniors 1983-89, Games 114, Goals 51 ( Honours - Victorian Representative Team, Games 1 ) ; Collingwood Reserves 1988-89, Games 18, Goals 10 ; Ainslie Captain/Coach 1992-93, Games 36 ( Honours - Premiership 1992-93, Best & Fairest 1992, League Representative Team ) ; Port Melbourne Coach 1994, Games 4, Goals 3 ; Oakleigh Districts Coach 1995-9996.
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