The Swan that Harry Taylor believes has the potential to ran rampant during Saturday’s almighty clash at Simonds Stadium is the Canadian dual-code footballer, Mike Pyke.

According to Taylor the former rugby union player, who debuted with Sydney in 2009, has developed into an elite ruckman who knows how to use the ball to his advantage.

“He’s a terrific mark of the football and a capable kick in front of goal, which is a terrific effort considering he’s come from a different sport,” Taylor told Cats TV.

“He’s averaging 1.1 goals a game, which puts him in the top five of the competition for all ruckmen this season.

“He is also just a really good team player, I’m sure Sydney Swans are extremely happy to have him in their side, he epitomises the culture of the Sydney Swans.”

“He doesn’t rank really high in all the key statistical areas for a ruckman, such as his hit-outs or clearances but his name continually comes up. He’s someone who just gets the job done every single week for the Swans.”

Taylor says the only way to dilute Pyke’s influence is to keep him firmly on the ground and away from his speedy forwards. Otherwise damage will be done.   

“In those aerial contests it’s really important we try and spoil the ball and stop him from getting the dominant marks that he took against us last time,” Taylor explained.  

“We’ve got to compete hard in the air and stop him from getting the ball, giving it off to runners and getting it forward to the Swans.”

Catch the full episode of Harry Tyalor's Opposition Breakdown on Cats TV, just click on the video above.