World Footy News

There’s been a lot of publicity around the match winning goal of NRL (Rugby League to AFL) convert Karmichael Hunt on Saturday evening at Cairns' Cazaly stadium. Richmond fans no doubt are fed up with hearing about it. However, for all that Hunt has improved this season, and for all that he looks like he does or will warrant his selection from week to week – there’s another Rugby (Union) to AFL code conversion story that is playing out in a Sydney and it’s not Izzie Folau; and it's not at a bottom of the table team.

He’s never had more than 15 disposals in a game, and never kicked more than 2 goals – but former Canadian Rugby Union World Cup player, Mike Pyke, on Sunday evening took on Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui, and along with Shane Mumford, provided the Sydney Swans with at least a break even in the ruck as the Swans stormed to a 52 point win and held their place atop the AFL ladder.

Pyke has yet to have more than 6 kicks in a game; perhaps the logic that the tall guy can be taught to ruck, and if he gets the ball then dish it off by hand to someone running past and let them make the decision by foot. If that was indicative of a vulnerable side of his game, then, the goal that Pyke kicked shortly before half time on Sunday was one that would have made Cyril Rioli proud and that required deft touch via both his ball-drop, the body balance and the contact by boot.

Mike Pyke looks to have made the grade, and, unlike Hunt and Folau who are getting games at bottom of the table developing start up clubs – Pyke is plying his new found trade at the top of the table Swans and playing a key role in a top of the table clash against the Eagles.

It’s not entirely surprising though. He debuted from the Swans in 2009, and with 8 games got a taste for what was required but had limited tricks. His debut game against Richmond in May of 2009 was in a line up including Barry Hall and Michael O’Laughlin both returning from injury. He got his chance when then back up ruck option and tall forward Jesse White was ruled out by illness. By 2010, and still on the rookie list, injuries saw him get more opportunities as back up ruck Mark Seaby managed only 6 matches and White, whilst playing 20, was spending more time up forward. Big Shane Mumford had come to the club and was the number 1 ruck, played 21, but a late season injury saw Pyke rucking the Swans through the key round 22 match against Brisbane at the Gabba. With a home final on the line a win was a must. Leuenberger got 29 hit outs for the Lions and Pyke 33 for the Swans. With 15 disposals and 8 tackles he more than held his own.

The following week Pyke was again supporting Mumford as the swans overcame Carlton by 5 points in a home final but the following week another close game saw the Bulldogs get up by 5 points with Pyke struggling to back up. However – enough had been seen and the rookie was elevated to the senior list and provided a 2 year contract. Reporting in August 2010, the Canadian’s code switch journey was given clear stamp of approval. Unfortunately season 2011 was a write off due to injury, with Pyke limited to two matches. 2012 would be a crunch year. Heading into the season with 28 games under his belt and 5 goals to his name - but approaching 28 years of age – and in a line up including Mumford, Seaby, White, and even the tall forward options Adam Goodes and Sam Reid – the reality was that should the Swans opt to play 2 genuine ruckmen then an ability to go forward and contribute would be super important. Could Pyke get a game let alone establish himself?

The Swans started this year on fire, winning 5 straight and after 7 rounds even though Mumford had only played 2 games due to injury the Swans had opted for Mark Seaby as the number 1 ruck in Mumfords absence. A narrow loss to Adelaide and another MCG failure against Richmond and suddenly in round 8 Pyke found himself back in the line-up. No Mumford, Seaby or White. While Melbourne’s Jamar knocked up 46 hit outs, Pyke battled away with 24, picked up more disposals (12 vs 7) and notched up 5 tackles. He’s played every game since, which includes now playing support to Shane Mumford who has returned to full fitness. Pyke has also kicked a goal in each of the last 4 matches. He’s also impressed with some fine contested marks. He’s got some more tricks now.

Since his debut in 2009, he now sits on 36 games with 9 goals. Over that time, Mark Seaby has managed 5 games with West Coast in 2009, and a further 18 at the Swans with 5 goals. Jesse White has played 54 games for 33 goals but only 3 this season.

What is clear is that Pyke is not getting games just to make up the numbers. The Swans win on Sunday sees them sitting on top, by percentage over Adelaide and Collingwood with 3 teams sitting just 1 game adrift. This is the most tightly contested battle for the top 4 for some time and there’s no chance of novelty act passengers in any line up. Pyke is keeping good players out and earning his place. And with his performance on Sunday evening against the Eagles at Subiaco earning praise it’s evident that Pyke might be able to anticipate a further contract extension before the end of the year.

The success of Pyke is encouraging the AFL to run a US-based draft combine in August. Reported in Tuesdays Age Search for rucks in America.

Pyke achieved fame in the Rugby Union world after this length of the ground try scored against the might of the New Zealand All Blacks in a RUWC warm up match in June 2007. It’s resonance within the game was such that this Rugby Football Enthusiast created the “Myke Pyke Nonchalant Try Scoring Award”