Derickx signs on

[Ludwig]

I think its not a bad move. Derricx work around the ground is pretty decent - although I wish he'd clunk a lot more marks than he does. He is very good in the ruck at disturbing the rhythm and free access of the other ruckman - he isn't so good at being a tap ruckman. But I'm sure the ruck whisperer can improve that some more over the summer as well. N & N are both young and very raw - it would suprise me if either is ready for full time ruck duties over the next two seasons as the No 1 ruckman. You've only got to look at how poor Grundy has been at the Pies this year, compared with last year, to see how tough it is for raw, young ruckman to be consistently playing well at the top level.

I think that's a good point about inexperienced ruckmen, and one of reasons Tom was given a new contract.

It is also possible that there may be a clause in his current contract that stipulates if he played a certain number of senior games he would be offered another contract.

Tom's inability to get through a season with injury is also of some concern. There was a backgrounder on him a little while back which said that he's been battling injuries since a teenager.

[mcs]

I think its not a bad move. Derricx work around the ground is pretty decent - although I wish he'd clunk a lot more marks than he does. He is very good in the ruck at disturbing the rhythm and free access of the other ruckman - he isn't so good at being a tap ruckman. But I'm sure the ruck whisperer can improve that some more over the summer as well. N & N are both young and very raw - it would suprise me if either is ready for full time ruck duties over the next two seasons as the No 1 ruckman. You've only got to look at how poor Grundy has been at the Pies this year, compared with last year, to see how tough it is for raw, young ruckman to be consistently playing well at the top level.

[Melbourne_Blood]

I think they both would have been bargains so smart move, replacing a bit of depth we lost last year through Mummy ( not so much depth, very good player) Everitt and White leaving.

[MightyBloods]

The TD and Laidler re-signings are just more reasons why I love this club. It:
- honours a commitment to a player that "plays their role and gives it everything" so we'll look after you";
- sends a message to our whole squad that we WILL look after you if you work hard and play your role;
- sends a message to prospective recruits that we'll honour commitments if you play your role and work hard; and
- makes others outside the club wonder "how the hell do the Swans do it. Ordinary players into valuable role players?"

[ernie koala]

I find it very hard to believe there is much intetest in pyke from other clubs. Hes on the wrong side of 30 and most outside of sydney probably still think like brian taylor.. thats hes the worst footballer in theAFL.

We know better

Not sure I agree with you Barry...

Last year he led contested marks for most of the year, and finished in the top couple. He kicked plenty of goals with an extremely high accuracy rate.

Most commentary I heard, through last year, had him as the All Australian ruckman, or at the least in the top couple. Many thought he was stiff when he didn't get it.

This year has been quiet thus far, mainly due to his extended time injured.

He looks to be getting better each week to me, and if he stays fit will be crucial in September...

And, IMO, much sought after, if unsigned, come trade week.

[barry]

I find it very hard to believe there is much intetest in pyke from other clubs. Hes on the wrong side of 30 and most outside of sydney probably still think like brian taylor.. thats hes the worst footballer in theAFL.

We know better

[Meg]

Ludwig in Thailand: "hmmm, how should I respond to Scott's comment?"

[barry]

This extension shows we wont be chasing a ruckman at trade time.

I hear there is a classy half backer on the free agent market.

[ScottH]

Ludwig is raising the bar on RWO.
Not a good sign.

[Conor_Dillon]

^^^^^^ that is brilliant! If there's an RWO hall of fame for comments that needs to go straight in

[Jewels]

That is gold Ludy, you are a genius. If only i had clapping emoticons on my phone!

[Ludwig]

I know we've had our differences in the past, but I can help you out once you retire; big media deals and stuff like that. Nobody will talk to me up there. You're my last hope. Ya gotta help me mate.

Bucks said we can't win 'cause we ain't got a ruckman. If the Swans signed him, then he must be good. Tell them they can keep their freakin' academies. We want Tom. They tricked us with the Jesse White deal. What a Dud. I knew I shouldn't have listened to that Ludwig pumping him up last year. Now he's trying to make me believe Tom's a spud. But I'm on to his tricks and reverse psychology. I'm no dummy. I've got an honorary doctorate, ya know.

Make the deal mate. We'll give 'em Darcy Moore. But we've got to get Tom at the Pies. Will ya help me out?

Sure mate.

[Meg]

Mike can't leave. The colours won't match.]

Unless he is thinking of becoming a Greek citizen? There are a couple of teams he could consider then.

[Ludwig]

A very good point EK. As far as we know Mike Pyke remains unsigned beyond the end of this season. Perhaps the signing of TD is an indication that Pyke's continuation beyond then with the Swans is in doubt?

Mike can't leave. The colours won't match.

[Meg]

Good luck to him, he's depth for a very thin ruck division...But I'm more interested in what Mr Pyke has planned.

A very good point EK. As far as we know Mike Pyke remains unsigned beyond the end of this season. Perhaps the signing of TD is an indication that Pyke's continuation beyond then with the Swans is in doubt?