Support Travis: Buckley's message
Nathan Buckley has called on fans to support Travis Cloke, insisting the star forward is 'one of us'
Social media, online forums and talkback radio have been flooded with Magpie fans this week who are disgruntled with Cloke and the decision between his management and the club to postpone contract talks until the end of the season.
There was even brief talk of a protest outside the Westpac Centre on Wednesday night, with supporters sick of the distraction they believe the Cloke situation is causing.
On Friday, Buckley distanced the Pies from those critics.
"Trav's one of us. He's one of our players who is absolutely focused on playing our best football and giving ourselves the best chance of success in 2012," Buckley said.
"He's one of us and all of us are focused on that, and if you're not supporting us in that end, then you're not one of us."
Buckley also wouldn't be drawn on Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy's comments on Thursday regarding the Giants' renewed interest in Cloke now that contract talks are on hold.
Cloke travelled to Sydney on Friday afternoon with the team ahead of Saturday's clash with the Giants at Skoda Stadium.
The Pies took two emergencies - Luke Rounds and Jarrod Witts - with Buckley stating the latter had "been steadily improving" in the VFL this season.
More to follow.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.