Before one lanky Canadian rugby player ever wandered around the SCG, the Swans had gained a reputation of being liberal with bringing in experimental players. From interstate and overseas moreover. It was the curious case of Mike Pyke though that has set Sydney apart in terms of recruitment. Indeed Pyke's means of having himself recruited and journey to that point set himself apart.
Having cultivated a relatively strong career playing test match rugby for Canada and club rugby in France, Pyke was given the tip that a funny little sport in Australia might suit him. Heeding the friend's advice, Pyke made contact with an agent and had a highlights package put together and put in front of the eyes of the Swans. While I'm not sure if it's on the video, Pyke's intercept try against the All Blacks that he took 80m whilst out-sprinting Sitiveni Sivivatu (at the time, one of the world's quickest and best wingers) would have fit in perfectly and caused recruiters' tails to wag. A man standing at 2 metres tall moving at that speed would cause anyone to smile, unless of course you happen to be staring him in the face as he runs over you. Pyke's leaping ability, height, strength, and incredible pace for his size are just some of the natural abilities that he has that made him confident of being able to hack it in the foreign world of footy.
Pyke's efforts and ability allowed him to secure a 2 year international rookie contract. He begun plying his trade in the reserves and enjoyed steady improvement under the guidance of revered ruck coach Steve Taubert. Pyke made his senior debut against Richmond at the SCG and showed small glimpses of the raw athletic ability that sets him so apart from others. He took one strong mark that day and performed some deft taps out of the ruck to the delight of the Sydney fans. His debut year did show that he wasn't completely confident in his kicking ability, but his marking and work in the ruck contests continued to steadily improve.
Despite being treated by sections of the media as a ludicrous experiment that would never work, Pyke's 2010 season was one of great success. Having been introduced back into the senior side in round 7 after Mark Seaby sustained a season ending injury, Pyke didn't miss a game for the rest of the year (which included 2 finals games) while developing a strong partnership with Shane Mumford. His seaon culminated with him being awarded the Dennis Carroll Trophy for being the club's most improved player.
2010 convinced even the most cynical of Swans fans that Pyke was far more than a Canadian circus act who would be included in the seniors for novelty. He proved he was more than capable of holding a ruck spot in the AFL and still had plenty of improvement ahead of him.
Despite this confidence, 2011 was a somewhat disappointing year for Pyke. After starting the year on the sidelines through injury, Pyke forced his way into the senior side for the round 6 clash with Carlton. The week after he produced one of his most valuable games for Sydney as a ruckman and tall forward. He kicked 2 valuable goals in a low-scoring game, including one set shot from more than 50 metres out after the quarter time siren. This piece of play was just one show of how far he has come. Unfortunately he tore his quad in the same game and was forced to miss much of the rest of the year with an injury that seemed to refuse to improve suitably.
A full preseason, the continued prospect of further improvement and his athleticism have him in a good position to not only regain his position in the senior side but to also secure that position in the long term. Moreover, with the impacts of the substitution rule in terms of increased need for versatility for all players, Pyke's pace and leaping ability will make him a hard proposition to ignore as the 2nd ruckmen who also spends time playing out of the forward line that has become so popular in the AFL.
If you forgive me for making a stupid association, this moose on the highway (if you count Anzac Parade as a highway...go with me on it) doesn't look like it will be trouble for Sydney any time soon...I apologies, that was interminable.
Player Review Prodived by S120
