Pykey

[mcs]

Actually, he is now starting to be less predictable with his handpasses. On Saturday he moved the ball on by foot a few times without looking around for the handpass, and he is reading the play much better and putting himself in marking contests, and presenting for the kicks down the line.

That is what is impressing me so much about him. I know he miffed his first kick of the grand final badly into the forward line, but he now has the confidence to kick and play on quickly if need be, but most importantly as you've identified he is really reading the play better, getting into good positions, using his body size very well in contests and genuinally is showing a much improved understanding of the game.

All I can say is what a shame we didn't find him a few years earlier. What a great story though!

[Panttz]

Would LOVE to see Mike put some of the old dont argue in his game. As an ex Rugby player I reckon he would be a master of pushing away smaller midfielders and creating some space for him to run.

[Primmy]

Problem is he is so big and mighty he would probably attract sanction. I guess he is still being careful about his size.
I loved seeing him smile. He is not a smiley person, so it was extra good seeing him look so blissed out.l

[707]

Any comment from that idiot Brian Taylor since the GF?

It is quite churlish of him if he doesn't retract and apologise but the guy is a clown so I don't expect him to!

[SimonH]

I think I can safely say that BT's mother is the only person who cares what BT thinks on any given topic.

But we've definitely got a problem for 2013 now: how can we squeeze Shane Mumford into a side that has Mike Pyke as the #1 ruck!?

[Go Swannies]

I've been travelling for a bit so I haven't read all the comments in the middle of this thread but I don't think enough has been made of the fact that it was Mike who started the chain to Mal's last goal - and that was from a very instinctive AFL action. After Ryan's stuff up a scrum forms and it's Mike who kicks it out of the air and straight to Jetta. Brilliant instinctive footballer.

[Cant turn right]

Pyke's story is awesome. And I think the club has managed him perfectly:
First year or so: 'Mike all you need to do is win tap outs, if you get the ball someone will be there to take the handpass and make decisions, you don't have to worry about that.' Next year: 'Mike, now add marking and kicking for goal to your repertoire.' What's next... run and carry??

[R-1]

Smashing people.