Sydney Swans big-man Mike Pyke says Australian football is more difficult to learn than some athletes think, and believes the AFL is better off focusing on grassroots development than encouraging code-hoppers.

The 201 centimetre ruckman was a multi-sport talent growing up in Canada and played four years of professional rugby union after leaving school.

He even played 20 games for the Canadian national team and earned a cult following when he scored a length-of-the-field try against the All Blacks in 2007.

He didn’t pick up a Sherrin until August 2008 when he signed a rookie contract with the Swans and moved to Australia.

Six years on and Pyke has won an AFL premiership and is now the Sydney club’s number one ruckman.

The AFL has experimented with luring other players from rival codes in recent years - most notably Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt - without the same success.

Folau’s controversial switch from the NRL in particular was a promotional ploy from the AFL to highlight the competition’s fledgling club in western Sydney.

Pyke is a shining example of how successful code-hoppers can be in the AFL but admits the game isn’t suited to everyone.

‘‘It’s a completely different game,’’ Pyke said.

‘‘But one thing the AFL has going for it is the clubs operate extremely professionally.

‘‘They have a huge amount of resources to put towards development.

‘‘Whilst it is a difficult game to convert to there are the resources at clubs to help players learn.

‘‘The most important thing, I think, is to get the participation at younger ages which is why we’re down here in Wollongong.’’

Pyke joined a handful of his Swans teammates in a two-day visit to Wollongong and the surrounding area on Monday and Tuesday.

The players spent time at local schools and other community groups.

The Swans are currently preparing for their pre-season NAB Challenge campaign, which kicks off against Brisbane Lions on Friday week.

It will be the club’s first official game since the 2014 AFL grand final, which Sydney lost to Hawthorn by 63 points.

Pyke admits the massive loss hurt the players but he isn’t prepared to use the pain as motivation ahead of the 2015 season.

‘‘I think we’ve put it behind us now and we’re attacking the season the same way we did last year,’’ he said.

‘‘Hopefully we’ll right some of the wrongs that occured last year.

‘‘You just have to have confidence that the amount of work you put in holds you in good stead for the year.

‘‘I think Hawthorn still sets the standard, no question.’’

Pyke expects to play every game during the NAB Challenge in preparation for the season ahead.

The Swans kick off their season proper with a home game against Essendon at ANZ Stadium on April 4.