Pyke, who only began learning to play the sport late last year, was listed by the Swans as a rookie and was expected to take considerable time to develop into an AFL-quality ruckman.
But the 25-year-old has made extraordinary progress in the pre-season, to the point where he was a serious consideration to play in the Swans' season opener against St Kilda on Saturday night.
Pyke played in three pre-season games and kicked a goal in his second game, a NAB Challenge clash against Melbourne at Visy Park.
However, Swans coach Paul Roos has ruled out a round-one debut for the big Canadian, but he said Pyke's elevation was a vote of confidence in the 200cm, 104kg newcomer's ability.
"What a terrific effort in such a short amount of time, for the former Canadian rugby union player to now be on the senior list of an AFL club," Roos said.
"Those that have watched Mike during the pre-season would have noticed a huge improvement in his football development.
"Even though he is now elevated and a listed senior player, we wouldn't envisage him playing this weekend against St Kilda at Docklands Stadium as we would like to continue his development in the Canberra footy competition with our reserves.
"Again, congratulations to Mike, he has shown that he is not far off a senior AFL game."
Pyke replaces injured defender Leo Barry on the Swans' senior list, as Barry recovers from knee surgery.
Dream Team watch – Mike Pyke is rated a $75,300 ruckman in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
