Pyke signs to Swans for two years

[Chilcott]

I am Pyke knocker and I still am. I find this view quite laughable, Seaby is an absolute walk up start as 2nd ruck, I thought Pyke was very ordinary on Sat. night.

I am not a Pyke knocker, but agree that Seaby is a fair way ahead of Pyke as the 2nd ruck at this stage.

Problem I have is that I don't think Pyke will be able hold down another position, other than Ruck. He won't make a decent key postion player. Maybe pinch hit at full forward or full back. But in saying that, the team would really be struggling in those positions if we were to use Mike.

[desredandwhite]

I am Pyke knocker and I still am. I find this view quite laughable, Seaby is an absolute walk up start as 2nd ruck, I thought Pyke was very ordinary on Sat. night.

To be fair, he was hardly on his own that night.

I think Mike's improvement has been remarkable and he will certainly make a worthy 3rd ruck option behind Seaby and Mumford. Given the run with injuries we've had, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get games over the next couple of years. Depth players are absolutely required nowadays, and the question really is - how long do we persist with Currie?

[Bas]

Really?

He's kicked 2 goals!

The Swans could market him as their version of Israel Folau.

BTW I will write up tonight what happened at last night's Focus Group meeting in the Boardroom at Swans HQ. I will be able to reveal why Pyke was used for the advertising last week and about games next year. Until then, you'll have to wait in suspense.

[ugg]

Is it to do with the fact the Canadian AFL team (cue Cool Runnings jokes) were in town? A bit of a niche market if I do say so myself

[Bas]

Is it to do with the fact the Canadian AFL team (cue Cool Runnings jokes) were in town? A bit of a niche market if I do say so myself

No. I've got to pick the kids up from school and do drama class run arounds this afternoon.

[Primmy]

Pleased we have got him, and no one else has. That's a start anyway. And he is a pretty handy backup ruckman. He can move very quickly. He can kick a monster. He cannot handball to save himself. Not a bad balance. He has learned all this in 18 months. So lets see where he takes us in another 18......ooohhhhh.....

[giant]

This is a great story - the fella is to be strongly commended for applying himself and he continues to look increasingly at home. There are many out there with egg on their face - I hope Brian Taylor starts with an apology on AFL Teams this week.

[swansrob]

Awesome news!
How about Goodes back into a permanent midfield position and Pyke into the forward line to keep that three tall forward thing that was working so well for us early this year?

[AnnieH]

Don't forget people ... he CAN tackle !!!!

[bondy]

Fantastic news - I can't wait to see what's in store in the next few years.

[teddys mum]

Pyke is the third best ruckman (not good new for Currie) and he has proved he can do a reasonable job as the second ruckman. This means swans can use Seaby and Mumford in other roles if needed, for example, you could play all three in one game with either Seaby or Mumford in the forward line.

[Ratna]

I was panicking that we may not pick him up and he may go elsewhere. To those who don't like him, give it another year. From month to month there has been solid improvement if it continues by this time next year we will have a seriously good player. With his athleticism and proven ability to learn I wouldn't mind to see him given some coaching on how to play forward. I don't think he'd be scared to crash some packs and with his tackling ability and speed for his size he may just apply plenty of pressure up there.

[Primmy]

Don't forget people ... he CAN tackle !!!!

I agree Annie. there is something delicious about just HOW tackled the victims are. Wrapped up and immobilised.

[Nico]

Pyke is the third best ruckman (not good new for Currie) and he has proved he can do a reasonable job as the second ruckman. This means swans can use Seaby and Mumford in other roles if needed, for example, you could play all three in one game with either Seaby or Mumford in the forward line.

Bit unfair on Currie. Pyke has had 20 games in the ones and Currie none. If Currie had 20 games under his belt in the big time would he have developed more and quicker and been better value to the team than Pyke? I guess we will never know.

[teddys mum]

Bit unfair on Currie.

I reckon Currie should look for a new club - he deserves better