IT JUST makes sense.

Travis Cloke and the GWS Giants — it’s the perfect match for both parties.

Having made a ‘serviceable’ return to senior footy over the weekend following six weeks out of the Collingwood setup, Cloke’s future at the Pies remains uncertain.

But if there’s one club that would relish a player of his experience and position, it’s the Giants.

Round 18

And if there’s one player that would thrive with a fresh start in a new environment, it’s Cloke.

Let’s start with how GWS coach Leon Cameron would benefit from Cloke’s arrival.

Despite building an unenviable forward line that features young guns like Jeremy Cameron, Jon Patton and Rory Lobb, there remains a missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle for the Giants.

The club’s lack of an identifiable lead-up option is something that was on clear display during its narrow loss to Geelong last weekend.

Cameron’s best work is done leading back to goal, Patton is a pure full-forward and Lobb often acts as a second ruck that drifts forward.

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Against Geelong, the Giants didn’t have a player operating between 40-70m from goal. And they need a helping hand to link that talented midfield group with an ominous forward unit.

“They’re lacking that connecting centre-half forward type — most of their forwards are leading back to goal,” Fox Footy analyst David King told On The Couch on Monday night.

“When the ball fans across their half-back line, that’s when you expect to see a forward charging into space to provide an option for the releasing half-back.”

Cloke, at his best, can provide that outlet.

In his prime between 2011 and 2013, Cloke averaged 14.5 disposals and 7.5 marks per game, while kicking 196 goals in three seasons.

He was the quintessential lead-up forward.

“It seems that the lead-up forward, for a lot of teams, has become very unfashionable,” fellow On The Couch panellist Jason Dunstall said.

Travis Cloke made his return last weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

“I think the Giants could go to another level if they pick the right times to hit that lead-up target. There’s too many times they’re all running back to goal.

“There are areas on the field where you don’t want to turn the ball over — and you’re often looking for deep forward 50 entries — but there are times when that lead-up forward can get an easy possession and then get the ball to a player he’s opened up space for.

“That’s one thing the Giants need to work on.”

There’s an obvious elephant in the room: Can the Giants afford to depend on a 29-year-old Cloke returning to his best?

Any deal would carry an element of risk. But then again, don’t all trades?

An escape from the Melbourne spotlight could also do Cloke good. The less-scrutinised Sydney landscape would present the experienced forward with the option of a fresh start.

And with less reliance on Cloke to shoulder the majority of the scoring output at GWS, his footy might also benefit.

Not to mention the Giants have ample trade targets they can offer the Magpies in return.

In addition, they have a good working relationship with Collingwood following Graeme Allan’s defection last month.

If there’s one way to restore Cloke’s form and catapult the Giants into genuine premiership contention at the same time, this could be it.