As far as football stories go, there would be none more impressive than what international recruit Mike Pyke achieved in season 2012.

The Canadian ruckman, who had played 28 games in three seasons at the beginning of this year, notched up 18 games and became a premiership player in 2012.

The big man established himself as the club’s second ruckman alongside Shane Mumford this season, and also proved his worth up forward with eight goals for the season.

Pyke spoke to sydneyswans.com.au about his career-best season with the Sydney Swans.

How did you sum up your season in 2012?

I think it ended up going ok. I think I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity early on and to stay in the team through to the Grand Final was obviously a dream come true and it was a great ride really.

How does it feel to have really established yourself in the position as the second ruck this season?

It feels really good obviously. The coaches have shown a lot of faith in me, which is nice and I hope I repaid them with the season. It’s just great to be part of this team and it’s a real privilege.

What sort of improvements have you seen across the group in the last 12 months?

I think as most of the boys have said, it’s the middle-tier guys who have really come through. I think we always knew we were capable of performing to a certain level but to do that on a consistent basis is difficult. To everyone’s credit we did that and we’ve had the weight of numbers across the board.

You made plenty of improvement this year. Are there any areas you hope to continue to improve in?

I think my goal kicking has to improve and probably my forward leading work. I’d like to be able to convert my shots on goal with more efficiency.

Who has been your mentor at the club?

I think (coaches) Steve Taubert and Henry Playfair. Obviously my ruck work with ‘Taubo’ has been really important and just my general grasp on my game as well as just teaching me the little things in the game and the history, which I think is important to know about. Henry has also spent a lot of time with me doing extra touch sessions and just watching video with me and letting me know what I need to improve on.

How has the news that you won the premiership being received back home in Canada?

It’s been received really well and there’s been a little bit of publicity about it, which is good. Hopefully it attracts more people to watch the game because obviously it’s such a great game and is very exciting to watch. They have been showing the games live at home, which is nice and hopefully they continue to do so.

What was your most memorable moment of the Grand Final?

I think probably when Mal kicked that goal and we probably knew it was sealed. It was really exciting and just watching the ball wobble in the air and thinking it had the legs and then getting really excited and running up the field, and then when it went through thinking ‘let’s not screw this up!’.

How did you feel when the final siren went?

The excitement sort of carried us through until half an hour or an hour into the change room and then when the excitement died down a bit I felt absolute exhaustion on the way back to the hotel. Then once we got to the dinner, and just being on the bus with the boys, just the elation and excitement just carried on through.

How did winning the Grand Final compare to your other sporting achievements?

It’s a no brainer. I don’t think it will ever get better (than winning a Grand Final).

What are your plans for the off season?

Hopefully just to relax a little bit and go home for an extended break and then maybe a trip with some friends to New York and then back here, and I’m looking forward to next season already. I’ll probably hit the training track pretty soon.