SYDNEY Swans ruckman Mike Pyke will cap a remarkable journeyon Sunday when the Canadian native becomes an Australian citizen.
A man who faced heavy criticism when he first arrived inAustralia in 2008 with a background in rugby union, Pyke is now a premiershipplayer with 71 AFL games to his name, including all 25 in 2013.
Following the departure of Shane Mumford to Greater WesternSydney, Pyke is also undoubtedly now the Swans' No.1 ruck option and willofficially become a citizen in Sunday's Australia Day festivities.
Teammate Ted Richards was on hand to present Pyke with a jarof Vegemite, some lamb chops and a packet of Tim Tams before the 29-year-oldruckman addressed the media.
"It's been quite a journey the last six years and I probablydidn't expect to become an Australian citizen," Pyke said.
"But (my wife and I have) felt very at home for thelast few years and it's a big step in our life.
"We've had a son here now, Jorge, so it's nice to joinhim and to know you're being embraced by the country you've lived in for sixyears."
Mumford's departure, coupled with Jesse White's move toCollingwood, has left the Swans' ruck stocks looking a little thin heading into2014.
Key forward Kurt Tippett is expected to spend more time inthe ruck in his second season at the club, while there are some younger playerspushing for selection.
"I'm not sure what 'Horse' (head coach John Longmire) isplanning on doing," Pyke said.
"I think you might see Kurt Tippett in there, LewisRoberts-Thomson, Toby Nankervis has been looking good, Sam Naismith, Tom Derickx.
"There's a lot of guys vying for a spot, myselfincluded.
"It's a bit of a wait-and-see."
But there is no doubt Pyke is the No.1 option, with the201cm ruckman considered unlucky not to make the All Australian squad lastyear.
He admits he has had to get his head around the fact he isnow the club's first option in the ruck.
"I think you see throughout the League when guys get anopportunity to hold that number one spot, whether it's for a game or a fewweeks or a year, there's a bit of a different mindset," he said.
"But that said, whoever is in the ruck at the time isthe number one ruckman and every contest you go into is very important for theteam and for your midfielders."
Pyke said he and his Canadian wife Florencia, who receivedher citizenship last year, are yet to decide which country they will call homeonce his playing career has finished.
But he has adjusted to his new surroundings, even enjoyingsome Vegemite at breakfast time.
"I do actually," he said. "I started in theUK on Marmite (when he was still playing rugby) and Vegemite is actually a biteasier than Marmite."
