pyke v. chambers

**stellation** · 23 February 2009, 12:29 PM

I thought he was fine for a first gamer, I honestly didn't expect him to pick up a single stat.

It's an interesting proposition to compare the output of Chambers as apparently ready made backup vs. Pyke as "no idea what he is doing" backup. I honestly think that from what I saw of Pyke yesterday by about 10 games in he would give us as much as Chambers offered, with obviously (hopefully) improvement to come. Considering what Pyke needs to learn (positioning/feel of the game) I'm actually not entirely convinced that there would be that much difference between those 10 games (from a development perspective) being at senior level or at magoos level.

**stellation** · 23 February 2009, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by BSA5

Pyke has already shown more than Chambers ever did. Pyke has a fantastic build for AFL footy, great athleticism, and didn't look out of place on the field either (which he easily could have). I'm happy with persevering with him. Hell, if Currie doesn't come up, and he improves over the NAB Challenge matches, he could be a Round 1 player, but that's highly unlikely. You never know, though.

He showed he can move around the ground, and I think after a few games can learn to identify where space is going to pop up; If a backup ruckman is just going to "provide a contest" I'd like them to be able to pop up in space a few times a game to provide an outlet. In Chambers' 12 games with us he only took 4 marks total.

**dimelb** · 23 February 2009, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by cruiser

They should play Pyke in every pre season game, then not consider him again until he is ready to play senior AFL - or our first NAB Cup game in 2010.

I agree he should get good game time in every pre-season game, and then let's see how he's going. As someone else said, it's better training than the twos. Nevertheless, I expect him to spend a fair bit of time there this season. I still think he has a future with us, has a lot to offer, not least his attitude. Barlow could learn something from him.

**connolly** · 23 February 2009, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by stellation

He showed he can move around the ground, and I think after a few games can learn to identify where space is going to pop up; If a backup ruckman is just going to "provide a contest" I'd like them to be able to pop up in space a few times a game to provide an outlet. In Chambers' 12 games with us he only took 4 marks total.

Thats really interesting. The Moose has quite exceptional pace for such a big man (based on the small bit of RU footage i have seen). Perhaps his great advantage over Chambers and a lot of other ruckmen in the comp is this speed. He could be really dangerous moving quickly into the forward line running into space. As a RU international full back presumably he has good hands. He could be really useful moving forward into the half forward line from the centre square running off his opponent. He may give us a second big man target running towards the goals or at least a credible decoy. Over 50 metres he should be at least five in front of any second string ruck in the comp. He may draw a defender to him to cover the loose man. The question is can our midfield hit a rampaging Moose at 50 metres?

**satchmopugdog** · 23 February 2009, 04:32 PM

I love those visuals....a rampaging Moose with a Warnock or a Seaby trailing in his wake......eat my dust!!!!! A mark and then a quick Dunkley handball to Malceski for a shot at goal

Always the optimist

**Vonsteinman** · 23 February 2009, 04:42 PM

Moose? Is that an established nickname? He's got very big shoes to fill if he's going to go around in the red and white with a nickname like Moose...

Agree with many here that you can't compare him with Chambers.

I'd like to see him playing as much as possible. His first kick showed a real lack of experience but it also showed I think that he is prepared to have a go and can get the footy.

Maybe not too dissimilar to LRT's situation a few years back in some ways. So with that in mind I'd like to see them keep playing Pyke as long as there's improvement and hopefully selecting him will help build the confidence.

**connolly** · 23 February 2009, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by satchmopugdog

I love those visuals....a rampaging Moose with a Warnock or a Seaby trailing in his wake......eat my dust!!!!! A mark and then a quick Dunkley handball to Malceski for a shot at goal

Always the optimist

Very close but the vision actually has the Dunkley handball going to the Bevanator trailing in his wake who drills the six pointer!

**dimelb** · 23 February 2009, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by Vonsteinman

Moose? Is that an established nickname? He's got very big shoes to fill if he's going to go around in the red and white with a nickname like Moose...

Who was Moose? Before my time I think.

**Legs Akimbo** · 23 February 2009, 09:59 PM

Originally posted by dimelb

Who was Moose? Before my time I think.

Wayne Henwood.

AFL Tables - Wayne Henwood - Statistics

Actually, he was pretty average at best, but he was big, he was loved and he was called moose.

**dimelb** · 23 February 2009, 11:10 PM

Thanks LA - so much to learn, I'll be going for a while yet.

**ShockOfHair** · 23 February 2009, 11:52 PM

Love this quote from Bolton:

"You just hope he doesn't hurt someone. When he gets out there, he's just so keen to get after the footy and get involved."

Pyke's got game says Bolton - realfooty.com.au

Mad Dog Moose Pyke. The legend begins.

**magic.merkin** · 24 February 2009, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by Plugger46

Looked a bit better forward though.

indeed he did!

**dread and might** · 24 February 2009, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by ShockOfHair

Love this quote from Bolton:

Pyke's got game says Bolton - realfooty.com.au

Mad Dog Moose Pyke. The legend begins.

Saw that. Great! I hope he hurts people all the time. (legally of course).

The stupid thing is, in this day and age, players and coaches come out with this type of crap all the time. Like when there's a fight, and all these commentators go on and on about what a blight it is on the game etc....

What a crock

**connolly** · 24 February 2009, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by dread and might

Saw that. Great! I hope he hurts people all the time. (legally of course).

The stupid thing is, in this day and age, players and coaches come out with this type of crap all the time. Like when there's a fight, and all these commentators go on and on about what a blight it is on the game etc....

What a crock

Indeed. Would be fantastic to see the big mountie just put his head down, ears pinned back, high leg action and just run over the top of that obnoxious maggot Maxwell for example. Of course Moose Henwood was the master of the full blooded charge. Hope the new Moose brings it back as the game is the poorer for its absence.

**sprite** · 24 February 2009, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by connolly

The question is can our midfield hit a rampaging Moose at 50 metres?

Most couldn't hit the side of a barn and they don't move...

pyke v. chambers

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