SYDNEY SWANS coach Paul Roos expects other AFL clubs to investigate alternative talent pools after former Canadian rugby union international Mike Pyke was named to make his debut against Richmond on Sunday.
Pyke replaces back-up ruckman Jesse White (illness) in the team to take on the Tigers.
“Mike would say it himself – he’s not the only six-foot-six athletic guy running around in the world today who’s possibly looking for a sport,” Roos said before training at the SCG on Friday.
“I don’t think it’s going to spark a mass interest of people coming but I think it will spark some interest from a lot of clubs in Australia to look offshore.
“Particularly with two new teams coming in, there’s a lot of incentive to do different things at the moment.”
Roos said the Swans were yet to receive any more tapes from prospective athletes looking to change sports but has discussed the idea with some of his contacts in the US.
The Swans were always open to looking at new talent, regardless of their background, he added
“Maybe [NBA star] LeBron James can send me his tape; I’ll have a look at that. Dwyane Wade, who else have they got over there? I think Michael Jordan’s a bit old – he’s about my age now,” he said.
On a more serious note, Roos said Pyke’s transformation from an Australian football novice to a senior AFL player was “extraordinary” and maintained the 25-year-old had earned his berth on merit.
“He’s been making ground over the last month and probably Jesse’s form’s just tailed off a little bit,” he said.
“In the last couple of weeks, he’s probably just struggled a little bit, which happens with the younger guys. It was 50-50 and obviously once Jesse became crook, it ruled him out completely and it gives Pykey a chance to play.”
Roos was full of praise for the Canadian’s work ethic and dedication, but issued a caution that the athletic big man still had plenty of work to do.
“He’s at the stage now where he’s a competent ruckman and we expect a competent performance through the midfield and in the ruck,” he said.
“He can do some other things, but he’s certainly got a long way to go to be a bona fide AFL player, week in, week out.
“It’s an extraordinary performance… but it’s early in the experiment.
“To come off the rookie list and get on the [senior] list was a really big effort, but for him to play in round six, is just an amazing performance.”
Roos said Pyke had already copped some criticism after his three pre-season games, including a NAB Cup clash against Port Adelaide, when he battled experienced pair Brendon Lade and Dean Brogan.
“That won’t worry him at all. I think he should be applauded for what he’s tried to achieve. We’re not expecting miracles from him and, if you judge him on one game, I think that’s the wrong way to judge him.
“If you judge him on what he’s done and treat him as a first-year player, not many first year players play [an AFL game], let alone a first-year player that’s come from Canada.”
