Cloke struggled to find form until the end of the Pies' 2016 season, and spent large chunks of the season playing in the VFL.

Former Pies captain Maxwell told SEN on Tuesday the key position player would benefit from a change in environment.

Maxwell said Cloke was rumoured to be earning about $500,000 a year, some of which Collingwood may need to cover if they sent the 29-year-old to the Bulldogs.

"[It'd] just be a fresh start for him, I think he showed some real glimpses on Sunday," he said.

But Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said if Cloke left the club there was no way the 'Pies would pay any part of his salary.

Maxwell said Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge had proved good at bringing out the best in his players and helping them develop faith in themselves.

"[Cloke's] a real confidence player and that's what he needs," Maxwell said.

Maxwell said Cloke had always been a natural athlete and still had some good football left in him.

He had been wasted in the VFL this year, Maxwell said.

Maxwell, who now works at Greater Western Sydney as a leadership coach, said he thought it likely that Cloke would make the move to Whitten Oval.

"When there's enough rumour around and you hear it from enough different sources, it tends to be coming from somewhere that's pretty close to the truth," he said.