Myke Pyke Debut

[Bloody Hell]

Only listened to the match on radio - but the commentators were very happy with his debut.

Any thoughts from those with vision. A better long term ruck option than White in the big time? Will he be back next week?

[ScottH]

Most of his taps were just OK, excpet for one that he smacked straight down an unattended Kirks' throat, who turned and bombed it in long to the F50 from a centre bounce.

Also took a great mark in defence, plopped himslef in a hole 30 odd mtrs out, had a second bite of the cherry , but still held it.

[Primmy]

Honestly, despite the fact that he has only been in this game for what, six or eight matches, he should be judged on his ability here and now, not on coulda, woulda, what an amazing thing. And my judgement is that he held his own in his first AFL game, nothing for us or him to be ashamed of.

Played like a player, did not spectate, not spectacular but I believe I did see him handball, saw him put on a couple of solid blocks (they splatted against him, this is a big, wide solid unit), and take a few grabs. I have seen other more well prepared and prepped debuers (could't spell debuutonts) do worse.

So as a back up for Jolls, not bad at all. Was it a mistake to play him? No. I saw Jesse play and he wasn't fully fit, pretty good, but.. If you were going to make a decision to blood Pyke it might as well have been against Richmond rather than say Geelong or West Cost!

[stellation]

He was a lot better than I expected him to be.

Long term vs. White? I don't view Jesse as a long term ruck prospect, I hope he finds a slot as a KPP so following that plan I'd say yes!

[ScottH]

I also loved the front on bump, chest to chest, when sheperding. He's a big strong lad.

[stellation]

I noticed that having Mike as opposed to Jesse messed with the rotations a fair bit, I think we only ran with both big on the field for a very short amount of time- whether that was due to MOL and Hall being back (so no need for Jolly up forward) or because Jolly would have to take a lot more of the ruck load I do not know.

Does anyone have Mike's TOG and Hitouts to advantage numbers?

[BigD]

I thought he went okay for his 1st game in thee big time.

[dimelb]

I noticed that having Mike as opposed to Jesse messed with the rotations a fair bit, I think we only ran with both big on the field for a very short amount of time- whether that was due to MOL and Hall being back (so no need for Jolly up forward) or because Jolly would have to take a lot more of the ruck load I do not know.

Does anyone have Mike's TOG and Hitouts to advantage numbers?

Sorry, can't help with those stats, but the Hun has him at 4 disposals with 100% efficiency! Plus a tackle.

[reigning premier]

Two thumbs up... Managed to do more than was expected for someone of his background but for me, the most important things were;
1. He did manage to win a few taps (Albeit against a similarly inexperienced ruckman).
2. He CAN mark, kick and even handball!!
3. He didn't give away stupid free kicks like junior ruckmen are inclined to do.
4. Cox, McIntosh, Sandilands, Minson and Gardiner will still towel him up, but he's not the worst junior ruckman out there.

[CJK]

Best bit was the cheer when he came on.

[AnnieH]

Aside from completely missing his first tap ... very promising.
Played better than a few of our "seasoned" players.



(I know, I really shouldn't be so picky ... but ...)

[stellation]

Best bit was the cheer when he came on.

That was good, but I must admit I was a bit puzzled with the novelty of getting him over for a chat after the game. Will Brendan Murphy get the same on his (hopeful!) debut?

[connolly]

Two thumbs up... Managed to do more than was expected for someone of his background but for me, the most important things were;
1. He did manage to win a few taps (Albeit against a similarly inexperienced ruckman).
2. He CAN mark, kick and even handball!!
3. He didn't give away stupid free kicks like junior ruckmen are inclined to do.
4. Cox, McIntosh, Sandilands, Minson and Gardiner will still towel him up, but he's not the worst junior ruckman out there.

5. He has a tremendous leap which is very impressive for Moose. With his upper body strength, speed and leap we have found something.

[Primmy]

That was good, but I must admit I was a bit puzzled with the novelty of getting him over for a chat after the game. Will Brendan Murphy get the same on his (hopeful!) debut?

Apropo nothing....could anyone understand what he was saying? His accent is fantastically unintelligible to me, but I also had a bit of an issue with Tadgh so perhaps its just me

[Donners]

Does anyone have Mike's TOG and Hitouts to advantage numbers?

43% game time, 18% to advantage (Jolly had 16%).