Far from sweating on Travis Cloke’s recent form, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is happy to point to his AFL side’s even spread of goal-kickers.
In what is becoming a regular event this season, Buckley was on Tuesday battered with questions on spearhead Cloke.
The Collingwood coach did his best to diffuse the scrutiny, which recently included ‘Pies premiership captain Tony Shaw questioning Cloke’s place in the side.
“There’s far too much focus on individuals at our football club. We’re a football team,” Buckley said when asked about Cloke, who has booted 10 goals from nine matches.
“We kicked 17 goals from 51 entries (in the last-start win over West Coast), so 33 per cent is a really good return.
“The fact we’re sharing the load is the most relevant point.
“We’re working to develop other forward targets and that’s going to benefit our scoring … and Travis.”
Buckley was at his most terse when Shaw’s suggestion, that Cloke could benefit from some time in the reserves, was raised.
“I wouldn’t have thought so,” he said of the prospect of dropping Cloke.
The 27-year-old has been analysed almost as much as Collingwood’s 6-3 start to the season, but Buckley was adamant anything said outside the club would have no impact on Cloke or any of his charges.
Defender Jack Frost will undergo a concussion test on Wednesday to determine whether he’ll face St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Ben Reid has overcome a calf injury, but Buckley will resist the temptation to rush him back for the clash with the Saints.
Collingwood’s VFL side have the bye this weekend, meaning Reid will have to wait another week.
Nathan Brown will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on Wednesday, but Buckley was keen for the veteran defender to play a role in the club’s 2014 campaign.
“In whatever capacity we deem fit and as much as he wants to be involved,” Buckley said.
The Magpies will start strong favourites in upcoming clashes with St Kilda, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs.
Buckley was more worried about his side playing consistently across all four quarters in those games.
“We’re yet to do that this year,” he said.
