Canadian Mike Pyke has certainly carved a niche for himself in the Sydney Swans team.
Formerly an international rugby player, Pyke came to the Swans in 2009 and was picked to play his first game very early in his first season due to injuries to the Swans big men.
Pyke’s role then was simply to give a contest and he did that reasonably well. Over the next three seasons Pyke was a regular call-up to cover for injuries to Mumford and Seaby. As he learnt the game he became more than useful.
In 2012 Pyke really broke through to become a regular selection. He began to win the hit out contests and added strong marking up forward to his game, kicking a few handy goals along the way.
His best performance came in the 2012 grand final.
In 2013 Pyke is a regular, playing as a second ruckman and a tall target up forward. His ruck work is definitely his strong suit but his skills in marking and kicking have made him a very dangerous player.
After Round 13 Kurt Tippett will become available for selection. Tippett is earmarked for the same role in the Sydney team that Pyke currently fills. A tall target up forward, handy goal-kicker and a second ruckman.
But does Tippett come straight into the starting line-up? I have my doubts.
Pyke certainly does not deserve to be dropped on current form. So if Tippett wants to replace Pyke he will have to earn his spot.
Tippett will definitely need some game time in the reserves so I wouldn’t expect to see him before Round 15 anyway.
How else could Tippett fit into the Swans team? He could take Sam Reid’s place and play as the permanent tall forward option.
Reid has lots of potential but has not cemented his spot yet.
The other option is to drop Mumford, have Pyke play as the number one ruckman and bring Tippett in to fill Pyke’s present role. This is a big risk as Mumford is one of the best and most experienced ruckmen in the league.
In short, Tippett is no certainty to walk into the Swans best 22 come Round 13. Or Round 15 for that matter.
If Pyke and Mumford maintain their form and Reid hits his straps then Tippett might not even get a game.
I have to wonder in the circumstances whether the Swans really needed to recruit Tippett in the first place.
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