By: Kirstie Fitzgerald
Spotswood spearhead Jason Cloke will lead the WRFL senior interleague squad when the league comes up against the Southern Football League in the AFL Vic Metro Championships on Saturday March 29.
Officially appointed the position on Friday night, Cloke admitted he was a little surprised to be selected for the role.
“I was definitely surprised to hear that I had got the call up with so many other great players in the team,” Cloke said.
“Captaining the interleague was something I never really gave much thought to, as I was just stoked to be invited to be part of the side.
“But in saying that I am really honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the squad out when we play Southern in a few weeks time.”
Having played five AFL seasons with Collingwood, Cloke returned to local football at Spotswood in 2011 where he has become a dominant forward for the Woodsmen, kicking a staggering 225 goals in just his three seasons with the club.
Winning the Division 1 premiership in 2011 and named in the 2012 Team of the Year, Cloke said that despite his role as captain, he is no different to the other 24 men on the field come game day.
“It wouldn’t matter if I was the captain or not, all the players selected in the final squad no doubt show leadership on and off the field at their respective clubs, so in that sense we are all leaders.
“I guess the only difference for me is that I get to toss a coin on the day and after that we are all giving 100% of our effort to ensure we get the job done.”
Yet it seems that Jason won’t be the only Cloke captaining a side, with his younger brother Cameron leading the Northern Football League when they take on the Essendon District Football League.
“Cameron obviously had a terrific year last year winning the NFL’s best and fairest, so he is very deserving of the role of captain.
“Hopefully the WRFL get a win and can move up the rankings in the following years…and you never know, we may be playing the NFL one day so that will definitely be interesting.”
Joining Cloke in the leadership group are St.Albans Captain Timothy Jenkins and Altona’s Jordan Robbins as Vice Captains.
“Tim and Jordan are obviously terrific players in their own right, Tim being a dual Barry Priest medalist and Jordan being named in the 2012 Team of the Year so it’s great to have them on board helping lead the team on the day.
“We’ve had a few training session so far and I think a lot of the boys have enjoyed getting to know one another and have a lot of respect for each other too, so we are gelling really well,” Cloke said.
“All we need now is the western suburbs community to get out and wear the red, white and blue on Saturday March 29 and support us against the SFL, when we hopefully take home the cup!”
The AFL Vic Metro Championships will kick off at Visy Park with the WRFL v SFL at 11:15am, followed by the EDFL v NFL at 1:25pm and finishing with the VAFA v EFL at 3:35pm.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day starting from $10 for adults, $5 for concession/ pensioners and children under 16 are FREE.
The final WRFL interleague squad will be released on Monday March 24 via our website for the public to view.
Last Modified on 28/03/2014 09:37