DON PYKE doesn't suffer fools, he calls a spade a spade and whichever way he wants the Adelaide Crows to play football his plan will be delivered clearly and concisely.
To those who have worked alongside Pyke in the past, either as a fellow coach, a player or an administrator, all agree the 46-year-old is old school and supremely intelligent.
He is indeed a football strategist.
Pyke played a crucial mentoring role behind the scenes at Claremont in 2011 and 2012, challenging then-senior coach, now St Kilda's head of player academy development Simon McPhee to get the best out of himself and inspiring the playing group to claim back-to-back WAFL premierships.
Ahead of that 2011 season Pyke addressed Claremont's players and urged them to chase success, seize the moment – 'the time is now', he said.
Don Pyke appointed Crows coach
His predecessor at West Lakes Phil Walsh delivered a very similar speech at Adelaide's 2015 season launch.
But tactics play just a small part in determining a successful senior coach. More importantly, Pyke is a straight shooter and a communicator.
“I am passionate about fostering a winning culture and united approach where everyone has a focus on doing what is best for the team," Pyke said on Friday.
“Adelaide has earned great respect across the AFL and there is a lot to like about the framework already in place."
Andrew Fagan (left) shares a laugh with Don Pyke at the Crows' media conference. Picture: Getty Images
While Brenton Sanderson has publicly admitted his communication to his players wasn’t up to scratch when coach in 2012-2014, in the first half of 2015 those same players raved about the clarity of Walsh's message.
Under Neil Craig in 2005 and 2006, Pyke took charge of the club's midfield.
Craig trusted him to help instill and maintain the highest standards – elite standards if you will, and no player was ever left wondering what was expected of them.
Similar to Ken Hinkley at Port Adelaide, who also experienced coaching his own side at a lower level prior to landing a senior AFL role, Pyke's approach to communication is sharp and direct.
Modern football affords no time for sugarcoating.
Pyke also displays great measure under stress.
Television cameras won't catch him screaming into a phone, punching desks or appearing as though the heat of the moment has become too much.
He is a disciplined and organised man and his life experience – footy and beyond – has readied him to mentor the Crows into a new era.
Adelaide chief executive officer Andrew Fagan praised his new coach's management skills and football intellect.
“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.
