Myke Pyke Debut

[SimonH]

Agree with that, he looks abig strong athletic type, who will need to improve his fitness from Rugby to AFL standard, but after he getssome miles into the legs he might make a KPP, would be nice to have some real talls down the spine

For the love of god, no. One thing that all KPPs (basically all non-ruckmen) need in the modern game is excellent disposal skills.

As fantastic as his learning curve has been, I don't think anyone's going to be claiming elite status for Pyke's kicks or handballs any time soon.

[Midfield]

Well done to the big fella for playing an afl game but thats where it ends. He had 4 handballs, perhaps all in the first quarter- that is not a big enough contribution. Just because he is a ruckman doesn't excuse the fact that he needs to get the ball. He should spend this week watching D Cox tapes. Jessie is a goer and if he's down we should blood Currie.

[dimelb]

For the love of god, no. One thing that all KPPs (basically all non-ruckmen) need in the modern game is excellent disposal skills.

As fantastic as his learning curve has been, I don't think anyone's going to be claiming elite status for Pyke's kicks or handballs any time soon.

I watched his goal in the trial game against Melbourne. Nothing wrong with that kick. A better effort than Fevola's latest!

[Primmy]

Oh and I'd also like him to close his mouth when he's marking. There is a classic photo of him from last week taking a mark in practice and he looks like a kid playing Auskick. At least the tongue wasn't poking out of side of his mouth. or should I say

LOL. I've been calling him The Fly Catcher!

[Bloody Hell]

For the love of god, no. One thing that all KPPs (basically all non-ruckmen) need in the modern game is excellent disposal skills.

As fantastic as his learning curve has been, I don't think anyone's going to be claiming elite status for Pyke's kicks or handballs any time soon.

Disagree.

"?xcellent" disposal skills?

I'll start my argument with Dunkley and finish with LRT. Certainly to play up forward you have to be able to kick straight - unless you're big, elusive and fast. Noone seems to care if you kick 4.8, as long as you provide a target.

[smasher]

I was surprised at Pyke's ruck work as it usually takes a player years to get the technique right and get a game at the top level.Kruezer at Carlton is an exception but he was one of their number one draft picks remember (We don't get those).He is by far the most athletic ruckman going around.I was impressed by what Pyke did but I think he got a bit of a shock at the pace of the game in the ones.Good effort regardless!!!

[Hartijon]

On an earlier thread Mike Pykes early introduction to AFL was discussed.The Swans need him right now. Currie will be there in a year or two but I believe the Swans believed it was worth it to give Mike a chance to make it sooner rather than later. I also believe he has just one chance and not a long time to prove himself. Therefore his selection was expected and as Roosey said,he was under consideration even if White was fit. It's make or break for Mike,now or never and he is grabbing his opportunity with both hands. I believe he will make it and become one of the best unorthodox recruiting moves in the history of the game. We will end up with a first class ruckman without having to tank out near the bottom for a year or two.Well done recruiting/coaching staff! If he makes it,just compare the way we did it to Carlton's way!

[Go Swannies]

I was surprised at Pyke's ruck work as it usually takes a player years to get the technique right and get a game at the top level.Kruezer at Carlton is an exception but he was one of their number one draft picks remember (We don't get those).He is by far the most athletic ruckman going around.I was impressed by what Pyke did but I think he got a bit of a shock at the pace of the game in the ones.Good effort regardless!!!

I was thinking the opposite. You can see that most kids are surprised by the speed of the Ones, even if they have been watching all their lives. But The Moose didn't seem surprised or out of place at all. Of course he didn't do much either. But there's lots of promise there. And he could have that LRT and Leo X factor in that his opposition have as little idea what he's going to do as we do - and, I suspect, he does.

I guess if you've played against the All Blacks it'd be hard to find another sporting gig that would seem as hard and hazardous. Basketball with Michael Jordan at his peak maybe?

[ShockOfHair]

And he could have that LRT and Leo X factor in that his opposition have as little idea what he's going to do as we do - and, I suspect, he does.

Nice one. Though LRT this year is becoming predictably good - it's great to see a 6'4" backman run through the lines two or three times every game.

[Lucky Knickers]

I LOVE DICKY COLLESS!
So, anyone who watches that sexist old mysogynistic parochial arsehole BT on Fox League Teams will know how badly he stuck the boot in to Pyke last week.

Well, lovely Leigh Colbert, just gave him the eye and said that he had a message from Sydney and was told from the top that if BT bagged Pyke, Fox Sports would not be allowed in Sydney's rooms.

Pickers said Richard Colless took exception to BT. Well who wouldn't?

[Primmy]

I LOVE DICKY COLLESS!
So, anyone who watches that sexist old mysogynistic parochial arsehole BT on Fox League Teams will know how badly he stuck the boot in to Pyke last week.

Well, lovely Leigh Colbert, just gave him the eye and said that he had a message from Sydney and was told from the top that if BT bagged Pyke, Fox Sports would not be allowed in Sydney's rooms.

Pickers said Richard Colless took exception to BT. Well who wouldn't?

I love Poppa Colless too. yay for him sticking up for the lad . BT deserves to be made to look a fool - if the hat fits etc. And yay to Leigh Colbert for delivering the message on open air too.

[goswannies]

Compare Pyke's debut with a couple of our other ruck debutants: Mott & Chambers

[dimelb]

Compare Pyke's debut with a couple of our other ruck debutants: Mott & Chambers

If I remember correctly, Mott's debut was excellent but it didn't last. Pyke will have more sense and much more staying power.

[Primmy]

Compare Pyke's debut with a couple of our other ruck debutants: Mott & Chambers

I'd rather not.

[AnnieH]

I love Poppa Colless too. yay for him sticking up for the lad . BT deserves to be made to look a fool - if the hat fits etc. And yay to Leigh Colbert for delivering the message on open air too.

I've got a confession (but don't tell Goodesy).

I've got the biggest crush on Leigh Colbert. We sat near him at the Manuka games last year ... he is the toppest bloke.