Don Pyke has been appointed as Adelaide’s new Senior Coach.
Pyke returns to the Crows for at least three years after emerging as a standout on a high quality list of candidates during a thorough and lengthy selection process.
The 46-year-old has most recently worked at the West Coast Eagles as Stoppages and Structures Coach for the past two seasons.
A two-time Eagles premiership player, Pyke also served as a director of the West Australian club from 2001 to 2004 followed by a two-year stint as an assistant coach alongside Neil Craig at Adelaide.
He then worked in the oil and gas industry while employed as a coaching consultant to the Fremantle and Claremont football clubs, before returning to West Coast to specialise in strategy, stoppages and structures.
Pyke is excited at coming back to Adelaide, which already boasts a healthy football program.
“After three decades at the top level in a variety of roles, I am now well prepared for the challenges and hard work that comes with being a Senior Coach,” he said.
“I am also passionate about fostering a winning culture and united approach where everyone has a focus on doing what is best for the team.
“Adelaide has earnt great respect across the AFL and there is a lot to like about the framework already in place.
“I am looking forward to working with the players, assistant coaches and other football department staff to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Crows Chief Executive Officer Andrew Fagan described Pyke as an innovative thinker with outstanding management skills and football intellect, gleaned from successful careers in both sport and business.
“Ours is a unique situation which requires a unique set of skills and qualities,” Fagan said.
“Don is a compelling fit for the role given his diverse range of experiences, ranging from a strong business background to premierships and best and fairest awards as a player.
“He has also previously coached his own team and everyone we contacted spoke highly of his football acumen.
“Don has been influential in West Coast’s rise this season and if you look at his history success follows him.
“There is no doubt he has what it takes to deliver the results and success that our Members and supporters quite rightly demand and deserve.”
DON PYKE
132 games for West Coast
Played 65 games for Claremont FC
Played seven State matches
1987, 1996 Claremont FC premiership player
1992, 1994 West Coast Eagles premiership player
1993 West Coast Eagles Club Champion
1999 – 2000 Claremont FC Senior Coach
2001 – 2004 West Coast Eagles Director
2005 – 2006 Adelaide Assistant Coach
2007 Fremantle football department consultant
2009 – 2013 Claremont FC coaching mentor
2014 – 2015 West Coast Eagles Stoppages and Structures Coach
