There has been interest since his arrival; not only is Pyke from Canada but he is a former international rugby union player.
The 25 year-old, at a crossroad in his union career, arrived in Australia around ten months ago after deciding to heed the advice of a close friend living in Melbourne to give AFL a go.
Taking the plunge he moved to Sydney, spent time at the Swans and was rewarded in December of 2008 with an International Rookie listing.
He has played a number of games during the pre-season competition and has been named an emergency during the home and away season before getting the call up this week.
“It is a fantastic effort from Mike to be playing his first senior game so early in his development as an AFL footballer,” coach Paul Roos said.
“It is credit to his professionalism and determination that in such a short space of time he has been able to force his way into the senior team.
“We look forward to his competitive spirit quickly influencing the team against Richmond this Sunday.”
Pyke’s mum Christine now is changing her weekend plans and will make the journey from Canada to sit in the SCG stands to see her son make his AFL debut.
