Tom Vs Mike

[mcs]

Agree pykes been told something or hes got nothing, different to the man who tried his guts out for everything last year?

Apart from struggling to actually comprehend what you are trying to say, I hardly think Pyke is not 'trying his guts out'.

He has had a more than decent layoff with injury, after what I remember was a reasonably interrupted pre season as well. His class came to the fore in the last quarter, with some telling taps to advantage, something that Derricx can not do at this stage. Nankervis could be a great player for us (So could Sammy Naismith) - both have all the characteristics, but to expect either of them to debut, slot into the top team and potentially be the main ruckman (I strongly doubt we will carry 2 ruckman in the finals), is a huge ask.

It was always the risk of getting Buddy and having to let Mumford go, that we would be found 'short' in the ruck. Give Pyke some time to build his match fitness up before you say 'he's got nothing'. We are talking about a Premiership ruckman here, who was utterly IMMENSE in the 2012 grand final - don't forget just what he did that day before you write him off.

[Melbourne_Blood]

^ this. Very stiff to not have got the nod in the AA side last year as the second ruck, kicked around 30 goals and took the most contested mark in the league as well as being a very good tap ruckman. Don't write off the big Moose just yet, we need him at his best if we're gonna shake down the thunder in September !

[MomentByMoment]

I would like to see Allir have a go in the ruck next year.

He has a great leap, hand balls well, has a good kick and great athleticism.

Seems to be in the Natanui mold.

[Primmy]

So its official then? TD is the new Red&White whipping boy?

Sheesh, and where would we be without him over the last couple of months??? Hmm ? Hmmm??

[undy]

You might not need two ruckmen to play finals but you seem to need at least two reasonably competent ruckmen to win a grand final.

[barry]

You might not need two ruckmen to play finals but you seem to need at least two reasonably competent ruckmen to win a grand final.

Sydney are playing it like this (I think)....

Play two ruckman through the season, although only one at a time, "resting" or "nursing injuries" to have both fit for finals.
Superstar forward arent risked in the ruck during season.

Come finals primary ruckman chosen to lead ruck (Pike). Secondary utilitiy player as 2nd ruck (Reid), and pinch hitting by superstar forward (Tippet). Primary ruckman's load is balanced so ready for grand final.

[CureTheSane]

Sydney are playing it like this (I think)....

Play two ruckman through the season, although only one at a time, "resting" or "nursing injuries" to have both fit for finals.
Superstar forward arent risked in the ruck during season.

Come finals primary ruckman chosen to lead ruck (Pike). Secondary utilitiy player as 2nd ruck (Reid), and pinch hitting by superstar forward (Tippet). Primary ruckman's load is balanced so ready for grand final.

Hope nobody at the Swans have informed Tom that there is no possible way for him to play finals

[Ludwig]

You might not need two ruckmen to play finals but you seem to need at least two reasonably competent ruckmen to win a grand final.

We're in big trouble.

[undy]

We're in big trouble.

I think you are confusing us with the Bombers.

[barry]

Hope nobody at the Swans have informed Tom that there is no possible way for him to play finals

I doubt he's under any illusions that his place in the team is lost if Tippet, Pike and Reid all play.

Lets not forget, he's the sort of player who would be happy just to play at AFL level, let alone finals.

[Ludwig]

I think you are confusing us with the Bombers.

[CureTheSane]

I doubt he's under any illusions that his place in the team is lost if Tippet, Pike and Reid all play.

Lets not forget, he's the sort of player who would be happy just to play at AFL level, let alone finals.

I reckon at the end of the year he'll be traded for a fair amount to a club that needs a tall who can relieve in the ruck.
Or, maybe he's being intensively trained in the ruck at the moment and might 'pull a Pyke' by the end of the year....

Either way, he's certainly rejuvenated himself enough to quit his day job, so the info he's receiving must be good to some degree.

[Ludwig]

I reckon at the end of the year he'll be traded for a fair amount to a club that needs a tall who can relieve in the ruck.
Or, maybe he's being intensively trained in the ruck at the moment and might 'pull a Pyke' by the end of the year....

Either way, he's certainly rejuvenated himself enough to quit his day job, so the info he's receiving must be good to some degree.

If Pyke, Nanka and Naismith finish the season in decent form I think Tom will be delisted. I think we might also look to add another ruckman with more upside to the list if he does get delisted.

[Mug Punter]

If Pyke, Nanka and Naismith finish the season in decent form I think Tom will be delisted. I think we might also look to add another ruckman with more upside to the list if he does get delisted.

Tom was always going to be a stop gap but the way he has acquitted himself is a credit to him at Taubert. Not sure what his deal is but if he is surplus to requirements and we can provide him with an opportunity and get some trade currency then all the better

[Melb Blood Bro]

Tom was always going to be a stop gap but the way he has acquitted himself is a credit to him at Taubert. Not sure what his deal is but if he is surplus to requirements and we can provide him with an opportunity and get some trade currency then all the better

I don't think he'll be delisted. Naismith and Nankervis may not be ready by then and if they are they will always need sufficient rucks for the magoos.