Premiership ruckman Mike Pyke, the apprentice turned master, is investing plenty into the future of the Swans’ ruck stocks.
And, according to the Canadian import, there’s plenty to be excited about.
Under Pyke’s tutelage second-year recruits Toby Nankervis, Sam Naismith and Tom Derickx have been progressing well while Kurt Tippett’s credentials as a second choice ruck continue to grow amid this year’s ongoing experiment.
Since switching codes and chasing an AFL career with the Swans, Pyke’s growing stature as one of the competition’s best emerging ruckmen has been the by-product of a man willing to embrace everything thrown at him.
Those challenges have included trying to learn and adapt to a relatively foreign game, while trying to limit the impact of opposition ruckmen week after week, including the likes of Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands who is at the top of the tree and “more than a little taller than me”.
“I think it’s about giving your best shot every time, if you don’t give absolutely 100 percent to that effort then you’re no chance of winning,” Pyke said.
“When you’re a little shorter than your opponent which is the case against Sandilands, your timing has to be right, you have to be more physical and your body work has to be spot on because if it’s a 50-50 the bigger reach is probably have the advantage.”
Pyke, who will line up for game 103 against Brisbane on Sunday, graduated from a learner ruckman long ago and is now considered a vital member of the playing group whose experience has been a valuable for the Swans’ younger brigade.
With help from Swans ruck coach Stephen Taubert, who Pyke’s credits his transformation to, the up and coming trio are tracking nicely with Nankervis and Derickx’s recent appearances proving as much.
Nankervis’ debut against Port Adelaide was a stepping stone to what Pyke believes is a bright future for the boy from Launceston, feeling proud as punch when the Swans’ number 13 solidified his first game with a goal.
“It was really exciting to see Toby play last week,” Pyke said.
“We’ve always known that he’s a really good ball user around that 50m arc and he not only showed that but also held his own in the ruck which is what you want to see from a young ruckman.
“Sammy Naismith is probably struggling with his body at the moment which is disappointing for him as there could have been an opportunity for him. Once he gets his body right and puts his hand up for selection he’s going to surprise some people.”
The fact of the matter is the Swans’ depth has now extended to the ruck division. If Pyke or Tippett miss, there are players available who can step up and do the job.
On Sunday, however, the Swans’ newest ruck combination will re-form in light of Tippett’s inclusion.
It’s a timely addition as the duo prepares to take on Matthew Leuenberger who not only shouldered the ruck duties but almost levelled with Sandilands (51-53 hit outs) in the Lions’ gallant defeat at Domain Stadium.
