Two days before he runs out onto the MCG in an AFL Grand Final, it could prove an inspired decision for the rugby union convert who is out of contract at the end of 2012.
Pyke had endured a stop-start career with the Swans since signing his first contract in August, 2008.
Remarkably, the 200cm ruckman played his first AFL game in round six of his debut season, ultimately featuring in eight matches in 2009.
Despite some intense criticism - including being labelled a "waste of time" by disgraced former player manager Ricky Nixon and ridiculed by commentator Brian Taylor - no less than 18 games came his way in 2010, leading to a new two-year contract.
Injuries restricted him to just two appearances in 2011, but the absence of first-choice ruckman Shane Mumford gave Pyke his chance this year and he has reeled off 17 consecutive games.
With contract talks to resume after the finals, it seems likely Pyke's groundbreaking AFL journey is set to continue.
"Absolutely, he's a required player and he wants to be there obviously," Pyke's manager Michael Quinlan told AFL.com.au on Thursday.
"Mike is concentrating on his footy and I'm just handling that behind the scenes with the club.
"I've been in discussions with the club, but it got to the point where the finals are on and to save the distraction we'll just continue the discussion when the finals are over."
Even in the unlikely event Pyke wasn't offered a new contract by the Swans, he would surely have plenty of suitors after what he has shown this year and due to the dearth of quality ruckmen in the League.
Putting talks on hold was a conscious decision by the 28-year-old so he could play his best football at the most important time of the year.
"To be honest, the second the finals started, I just said I wanted to concentrate on football and my manager has been doing everything," he said.
"I said [to Quinlan] you do your thing and we'll talk about it at the end of the season and see what happens."
Despite his extended run in the side, Pyke admits he is still anxious to see his name on the team sheet.
"Even this week I was a bit nervous," he said.
"Something was written on Saturday or Sunday about me being the first Canadian in a Grand Final and I was like 'shit, the team hasn't been picked yet. I better be. My mum has booked her flight'.
"Hopefully [getting more comfortable] will come next year."
Quinlan, who was first sent a DVD of Pyke's athletic abilities that led to his switch to AFL, has loved watching the Canadian's development.
"It's been fantastic," he said.
"His potential was untapped, but no one could predict the Grand Final would happen. It's amazing."
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
