World Footy News

Canadian Mike Pyke’s extraordinary journey from international rugby to the AFL will continue for at least the next two years. The Sydney Swans today announced that he has signed a two year contract with the Club. Pyke, who has 20 rugby Test caps for Canada, first came to Australia in June 2008 to trial with the Swans. A few months later he was signed as an international rookie and in 2009 he went on to play his first senior game.

He started season 2010 on the rookie list but has made enormous progress since being called into the senior side in round seven as a replacement for injured ruckman Mark Seaby. Pyke, 26, has now played a total of 20 games and is developing into a valuable big man for the Club - and a trailblazer for athletes converting to AFL from the rugby codes.

The Sydney Swans General Manager, Football, Dean Moore, says Pyke has impressed the coaching staff with his dedication, commitment and athleticism. “He has improved significantly this year and we believe that progress will continue,’’ Moore said. “Mike’s transition to the AFL is an extraordinary achievement, and testament not only to his athletic abilities but to his determination and strong character.’’

Pyke said he was excited to know he had a real future at the Swans. “I am really happy. It gives me an opportunity to feel settled in Sydney and I’m very excited to be put on the senior list. That is something I’m quite proud to have achieved in the last couple of years,’’ Pyke said

Pyke believes his general awareness on the field has got better this season, as well as his marking. “Now I need to work on having a sustained impact in games,’’ Pyke said. “I’ve had patches this season where I’ve been contributing quite well, and patches where I go missing a little bit.

“I’ve showed that I’m capable of playing, but to become really successful you have to do more than that, and that’s what I’ll be working on in the next two years.’’

Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos has praised Pyke, saying he has developed into a bona fide AFL ruckman. “This year, if someone came to their first game, you'd have to point out that this is a Canadian rugby player now playing AFL football, and that's the biggest compliment you can give Pykey,’’ Roos said.