The second Ruckman

[Hartijon]

If Jolly acknowledges that his kicking and marking are problem, then his tap/body work will be a far greater problem.

I'd hate to think that our ruck stocks have fallen so far that we are expected to take this seriously.

I take your point! Kicking and marking are the easy skills,bread and butter stuff. Maybe he could be useful in the last couple of minutes of a game when we want someone to run forward then pass backwards.The backwards play should be second nature to him! Seriously though, I am assuming he is a serious option because to assume otherwise is to admit the Swans is giving someone a free holiday in Sydney. I doubt that is the case!He would have to play and play in ruck soon to be of any value or else our young blokes like Currie will be there and he won't be needed

[Ruck'n'Roll]

If Jolly acknowledges that his kicking and marking are problem, then his tap/body work will be a far greater problem.

I'd hate to think that our ruck stocks have fallen so far that we are expected to take this seriously.

[BSA5]

Although he was a full back (don't tackle much) the big mountie teaming up with young Bevo in the centre will be a nightmare for opposing midfields.

They don't tackle often, but they tackle well (they need to, they're the last line of defence) and they often tackle in free-flowing, unstructured situations (the sort of situations that would most closely resemble a game of Aussie Rules).

[connolly]

He He He..That is really funny to contemplate!I am waiting for the biff then sniff tackle though!! Might upset a few opposition guys?

Although he was a full back (don't tackle much) the big mountie teaming up with young Bevo in the centre will be a nightmare for opposing midfields.

[Hartijon]

The chip, chase and regather out of the centre square will get arses off seats

He He He..That is really funny to contemplate!I am waiting for the biff then sniff tackle though!! Might upset a few opposition guys?

[connolly]

I could add a few Swans players to the list who need to improve their marking and particularly their kicking. Compare the way we spray our forward kicking to the precision of Geelong and Hawthorn. But that's another story. I reckon the big maple leafed woodchopper might get a run sometime if what Jolly says is accurate.

The chip, chase and regather out of the centre square will get arses off seats

[Hartijon]

Jolly is encouraging. The bit about needing to improve marking and kicking is ominous though. Another one tap pony?

I could add a few Swans players to the list who need to improve their marking and particularly their kicking. Compare the way we spray our forward kicking to the precision of Geelong and Hawthorn. But that's another story. I reckon the big maple leafed woodchopper might get a run sometime if what Jolly says is accurate.

[ShockOfHair]

"He's coming along in leaps and bounds," said Jolly

That's just the way a ruckman should progress. Leaps and bounds and marks and hitouts.

[connolly]

Thanks for that! It's what I guessed must be the thinking and the ruck is the area he could actually be an instant success that just keeps getting better.

Jolly is encouraging. The bit about needing to improve marking and kicking is ominous though. Another one tap pony?

[The Boot]

Well at least the Canadian flag is red and white!!

[Hartijon]

Rookie Swan Pyke has a bright future and a remarkable past - realfooty.com.au

Definitely being groomed as a ruckman - working on skills with Jolly ...

Thanks for that! It's what I guessed must be the thinking and the ruck is the area he could actually be an instant success that just keeps getting better.

[Cheer Squad]

Mike Pyke

Our Canadian friend seems to be coming along well. I hope he turns into a good player for us, it sounds like he's got some real potential.

Swans turn over a new maple leaf - realfooty.com.au

I'll have to take a Canadian flag along to the first match he plays, and make him feel at home.

[alison.z]

Rookie Swan Pyke has a bright future and a remarkable past - realfooty.com.au

Definitely being groomed as a ruckman - working on skills with Jolly ...

He's coming along in leaps and bounds," says Darren Jolly, who is working with Pyke on his rucking skills. "He does his homework, asks lots of questions, he's fit, strong and is picking the game up quickly."
Is he a chance to play senior football in 2009?
"Absolutely," Jolly says. "I'd put him in first round if I had the chance. He still needs to work on marking and kicking but everything else is coming along really well.

[Hartijon]

mmmm

26 too old?

At elite level I am tempted to say that 26 is too old to debut unless there have been mitigating circumstances and you have been well grounded in the sport as a junior.The learning curve at elite level is savage as young Vespa found out in the finals.Having said that,there are always the exceptions...guys who don't follow the script.I hope Pyke is one of them!Having played with ex rugby players in the NSW competition I found they did not adapt as quicky as soccer players. Under pressure,they threw the ball,tackled clumsily and gave away a mountain of free kicks.They were tough guys and good at bursting a line of defence and good in a brawl.At elite level so much is instinctive ,split second stuff that comes from years of preparation and quick adaption.I doubt you can pick this up at 26!

[BSA5]

What is the thinking behind recruiting Pyke? It must be serious and not a joke so they obviously must be looking at a rucking position?Surely no one could pick up enough skills in a year to hold down a key position and 2 years would make him too old. It's gotta be a ruck position..am I wrong?

26 too old?