IT'S OFFICIAL: Pyke's a Swan

[grimlock]

Maybe it's just me but whenever Jake's name is mentioned I immediately think of Manuel from Fawlty Towers and Mr Orally.

Que? O'Reilly.

Pyke is physically ready to play seniors, unlike the other rookie listed players he is mature (24) has the size and physique to cope in the seniors (200cm 105kg). While Orreal is no skinny rake, I would fear for his wellbeing if he were to ruck against the top ruckmen in the AFL.

 

[SOPH_CROSS]

Jake is still very much in development but idd say he'd be able to teach Pyke a few things in how to ruck

Im sure Beans and Pyke will play a few ressies matches next year rotating through the ruck until Pyke debuts...i think Beans will lead the ressies in the ruck next year considering Currie will have hopefully debuted and is carrying his spot in the 22 next year

but fingers crossed Jake will get one game next year or at least play NAB cup

 

[Lakey91]

I dont know why pyke chose to become a swan really. He seemed to have a great career in rugby, and im not sure why hed throw it all away for a small shot at playing AFL. Im sure he could of easily got a contract playing rugby in France or in the Super 14. Seems kinda strange for him to switch, but each to their own! I just hope he turns out well for the swans

 

[CAS79]

I dont know why pyke chose to become a swan really. He seemed to have a great career in rugby, and im not sure why hed throw it all away for a small shot at playing AFL. Im sure he could of easily got a contract playing rugby in France or in the Super 14. Seems kinda strange for him to switch, but each to their own! I just hope he turns out well for the swans

It is odd, he could of got some very good money in Rugby in France so its not the dosh the motivation.

but at 24 this guy is not a long term project. Roos must see something in him already and a 2009 debut is not out of the question.

If its a success does that mean we could see cross code raids now involving the Australian Rugby codes and AFL.

 

[Lakey91]

It is odd, he could of got some very good money in Rugby in France so its not the dosh the motivation.

but at 24 this guy is not a long term project. Roos must see something in him already and a 2009 debut is not out of the question.

If its a success does that mean we could see cross code raids now involving the Australian Rugby codes and AFL.

yeh well he is obviously a natural athlete, is ready made, and his size means he can probably hold down a KP or even ruck a little.

Hope he gets a few games late in season to show his worth.

 

[disgruntled goat]

I dont know why pyke chose to become a swan really. He seemed to have a great career in rugby, and im not sure why hed throw it all away for a small shot at playing AFL. Im sure he could of easily got a contract playing rugby in France or in the Super 14. Seems kinda strange for him to switch, but each to their own! I just hope he turns out well for the swans

The guy's only 24 and obviously has the spirit of adventure about him, so even giving it two years for a crack at AFL, he could find himself a rugby club and a job to go to if the Swans thing doesn't work out.
Good on him for having a go, and he must have seen the game and taken a liking to it, or seen it as a challenge to play.
It's long odds this will come off, but just to get him to the standard of playing a few senior games would be an achievement and who knows. Maybe he'll take to the game and become a star.
Why heckin'g not?

 

[CAS79]

A positive article on Pyke

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/ne...remarkable-past/2009/01/17/1231609054732.html

Darren Jolly is working on his ruck Skills and seems quite upbeat about the way he is working at training, definitely focusing on ruck work right now and Jolly saying he is doing very well.

Check out his picture, he's definitely got the body shape for this game, looks a real fit lad.

The positive feeling in this article leads me to again believe he may be fast tracked into the team. At least a start in the NAB cup.

 

[FootyontheBrain]

From what I understand about this guy is he has a motor that won't quit, and the athleticism that could make for a very versatile addition to the list. Obviously, the ruck would likely be his quickest avenue to the seniors, but I think he gives us a genuine big body defender to play against the likes of Jonathan Brown, Rocca, Mooney and I reckon he'd give Buddy fits.

 

[SM]

Hope he debuts this season. Would really stick it up all those people saying the experiment's a waste of time. Jolly thinking he could debut Round 1 is a bit much seeing as he hasn't played a competitive match, but give him a few NAB matches, half a season of Reserves, then who knows.