Former AFL star Cameron Cloke has announced he will never play football again after being the victim of an alleged coward punch.
The shocking incident was caught on camera with vision showing Cloke appeared to be punched before the match even started in a Melbourne suburban football league.
The 38-year-old was on the field before the opening bounce in Templestowe’s senior clash with Boronia when he was allegedly struck in the head by an opposition player, who has since been identified by the Boronia Hawks Football Netball club as Harry Burgess.
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Cloke told the football club on Tuesday night he has retired from all forms of football after seeing a doctor following the incident.
Cloke has confirmed he suffered a concussion as a result of the incident — adding to a long list of head injuries he has suffered throughout his career.
His decision comes after the Eastern Football League on Tuesday said Burgess has been handed an eight-match ban, which has been accepted by the Boronia club captain.
The EFL also announced Cloke has been handed a two-match ban for allegedly striking Burgess during a pre-match scuffle.
Cloke said on Tuesday night his career is now over.
“Well I didn’t want it to end like this…but after an unexpected certain incident from the weekend’s game, advice & instruction from my specialist, it’s time for me to retire from playing the sport I love that I’ve played for 34 years,” Cloke said, according to the Templestowe Dockers Football Club Facebook page.
“It’s been a fun journey along the way. I have had the opportunity to play pretty much all over the country, even getting to play an exhibition game in London. I have been fortunate enough to be apart of 7 senior premierships that I will cherish forever.
“But most of all I had the opportunity to play at some awesome football clubs where I was able to meet so many amazing people, funny characters and made life long friends along the way.
“Now it’s time for me to take a step back and give more of my time to my family and my 3 kids that mean the world to me… I can’t let them see me get hurt anymore…
“Thank you to not just my family, but my friends and all the people that have helped me along the way. It won’t be forgotten.
“There has been a lot of up’s and down’s including 15+ operations honestly I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
The club said the decision was made after consulting with medical specialists.
The Boronia club earlier posted on Facebook it had accepted the ban offered to Burgess.
Boronia’s senior club president Greg Hannon said in a statement posted on Facebook: “I wanted to write to you all to address an incident on Saturday during our senior game, between our captain Harry Burgess and Templestowe’s Cameron Cloke.
“As a result of this incident, both players have been offered penalties for the reported conduct.
“The BHFNC has decided to accept the penalty offered to Harry.
“As a club, we pride ourselves on teaching and playing the game with the right spirit and “Harry has consistently demonstrated nothing other than commendable conduct throughout his playing career.
“We extend our best wishes to Cameron Cloke and the Templestowe Football Club.”
Ex-Collingwood, Carlton and Port Adelaide player Cloke fell to the ground following the alleged contact and took no further part in the game.
On Sunday he went to hospital having been unable to sleep and suffering headaches.
It follows a series of concussions throughout his career, both at AFL and local footy level, which previously saw him consider retirement.
“Due to the fact we‘ve lodged a league investigation we’re unable to make comment but all we care about is Cam and making sure he’s OK,’’ Templestowe president Russell Smith told News Corp.
EFL CEO Jy Bond said: “We’ve been investigating this as a league for the past couple of days. We don’t condone violence on the field in any way.
“Our league is renowned as offering a strong, safe environment for players – it’s a skilful and fair league – and we encourage ex-AFL players to come back.’’
Cloke is the son of former Richmond and Collingwood champion David, and the brother of Jason and Travis.
— with foxsports.com.au
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