Michael Pyke

[Triple B]

Pyke is way way ahead of Orreal at the moment.

I think you left a couple of 'way's out.

On the contrary, there is a fair amount of hope for Orreal. The biggest difference between them is that Pyke is 25 and built like the proverbial brick lavatory, while Orreal is 20 and built like a stick. Both show promise in their ruckwork, both have decent skills for their size and the miniscule amount of time they've been playing the game and both have a lot to learn about where to run when they're not contesting centre bounces.

Well summed up, I agree completely.

I have a strong suspicion that if Currie's injury problems hadn't prevented him making his seniors debut and showing his wares to those who haven't had the chance to track his progress in the ressies, we would not be having this discussion and everybody would be very comfortable with where we are with our rucking stocks.

[Primmy]

I agree with both Liz and BBB. Watched Oreal closely and can say that his work rate was terrific, but as he was the only one rucking, what else was there. But, he got better as the game progressed. I think he is one of those kids who needs to be on ground all the game, to build up his confidence, which can be lacking at times. The one thing I have noticed is that he is moving from twig to branch. His shoulders are much wider, at least 3 cm..... no I mean he looks a lot stronger across the back and shoulders than he did even at the beginning of the year.

He is not going to catch up with Pyke. Only Goodsy and LRT have the breadth across the back that he has.

OK, say it, I only go to the game to watch the bodies. I prefer to say that I look at the WHOLE picture, not just the game itself.....

[Dogzbody]

Pyke is a massive unit, and he looks really mobile as well. Given that he can run 100m in about 11seconds it might be worthwhile earmarking him as a key forward option (and beginning that development now). That being said I think Jesse White may be in that space at the moment...and kicking 11 in the magoos will probably promote that.

Seriously though we could have twin towers there. Might be worth considering.

[Jewels]

I agree with both Liz and BBB. Watched Oreal closely and can say that his work rate was terrific, but as he was the only one rucking, what else was there. But, he got better as the game progressed. I think he is one of those kids who needs to be on ground all the game, to build up his confidence, which can be lacking at times. The one thing I have noticed is that he is moving from twig to branch. His shoulders are much wider, at least 3 cm..... no I mean he looks a lot stronger across the back and shoulders than he did even at the beginning of the year.

He is not going to catch up with Pyke. Only Goodsy and LRT have the breadth across the back that he has.

OK, say it, I only go to the game to watch the bodies. I prefer to say that I look at the WHOLE picture, not just the game itself.....

Oh Primmy, you and I are on the same wave length in so many ways.....

[Bas]

Bas, do you mean off the rookie list?? I doubt he can play seniors if he is not officially listed. Can't remember now (old age and wine is taking its toll) but I am sure as an international recruit he is officially on the list. With him, Cuz and Jake our rucking stocks backing up Jolls should be well buttressed.

Yes. promotion off rookie list to Seniors.

[Nico]

On the contrary, there is a fair amount of hope for Orreal. The biggest difference between them is that Pyke is 25 and built like the proverbial brick lavatory, while Orreal is 20 and built like a stick. Both show promise in their ruckwork, both have decent skills for their size and the miniscule amount of time they've been playing the game and both have a lot to learn about where to run when they're not contesting centre bounces.

I have no idea what your expectations of Pyke are. He has already given us far more than Chambers did.

And if we want White to be given a chance of playing as a key forward and don't want to run Jolly completely into the ground, then while Currie is injured (ie the rest of this season, at least) Pyke has to be it.

Pyke V Chambers. You don't have to do a whole lot when you are comparing with a base of Zero.

[cruiser]

I thought that Pyke had a better game than Jolly on Saturday. What the hell was wrong with Jolly? Did his wife have another baby?

[Primmy]

I thought that Pyke had a better game than Jolly on Saturday. What the hell was wrong with Jolly? Did his wife have another baby?

He is probably worn out, his work rate this year has been outstanding and worrying. He is also number 16 so that means his locker is just near number 18 Jesse who had the flu he is probably not very well. His youngest must be at teething age, so probably not a lot of sleep.

I can provide a deep analysis of almost any situation you can name.

Ah, I reckon he is just tired, I forgive him . He'll be right.

[stellation]

He is probably worn out, his work rate this year has been outstanding and worrying. He is also number 16 so that means his locker is just near number 18 Jesse who had the flu he is probably not very well. His youngest must be at teething age, so probably not a lot of sleep.

I can provide a deep analysis of almost any situation you can name.

Ah, I reckon he is just tired, I forgive him . He'll be right.

I thought you were going to say "who probably drove him mad all week telling him about his 8 goal haul"

[floppinab]

Pyke's tap work was outstanding but he's got a long way to go before he gets rid of the deer in the headlights effect with the footy in his hands. It took LRT three years, can we afford to wait that long.

On a related note it was funny seeing Jason Ball out on the ground during kick to kick. Looks in great shape but..............

[stellation]

On a related note it was funny seeing Jason Ball out on the ground during kick to kick. Looks in great shape but..............

I'm worried enough at 6' about getting sconned by an errant footy in kick to kick, imagine going out there at his height! You'd be a target!

[Bloody Hell]

Pyke's tap work was outstanding but he's got a long way to go before he gets rid of the deer in the headlights effect with the footy in his hands. It took LRT three years, can we afford to wait that long.

Yes!

What else are we going to be doing for the next 3 years?!? I'm actually thinking finals next year...Pyke included.

[Vonsteinman]

Yes!

What else are we going to be doing for the next 3 years?!? I'm actually thinking finals next year...Pyke included.

Agreed (I'm not always disagreeable BH!). Isn't that the point of re-shaping the list?

I personally think that it's been great watching the LRT development. He did a bloody good job in between the lower patches too (1st half GF05 for example).

If Pyke follows the same curve as LRT (hopefully he's better and gets there more quickly and I think he will), IMO it would be a very successful 'experiment'.

[Primmy]

I thought you were going to say "who probably drove him mad all week telling him about his 8 goal haul"

Add to that the 11 (plus the one they haven't awarded him) this week he is going to be a nightmare!

[TheHood]

That kick was as good as they come.

I loved that kick. It was a superb foot pass.

He has the mature body...he should be back up ruck, full-time.

Jesse leads well, could be Sydney's Tippett.