Don Pyke

Don Pyke

Personal information
Birth	5 December 1968 (1968-12-05) (age 42), United States of America
Recruited from	Claremont Football Club (WAFL)
Height and weight	180cm / 78 kg
Playing career¹
Team(s)	West Coast Eagles (1989–1996) 132 games, 97 goals
¹ Statistics to end of 1996 season
Career highlights
E. B. Cook Medal 1988 West Coast Eagles premiership side 1992, 1994 Club Champion Award 1993 (tied) West Coast Eagles life membership 2003 West Coast Eagles Team of the Decade West Coast Eagles Team 20

Don Pyke (born 5 December 1968, in the United States) is a former Australian rules football player. He is the son of former WAFL footballer Frank Pyke and brother of cricketer James Pyke.^[1]

He was originally recruited by the West Coast Eagles in 1988 as a highly skilled, attacking, goal scoring rover. In the 90's, under the coaching of Mick Malthouse, Pyke developed in to a player more renowned for his defensive skills. He was a member of the Eagles 1991 losing Grand Final side and played in both the 1992 and 1994 Premiership sides. Pyke was knocked out by Gary Ablett in the early stages of the 1992 grand final, but returned to play an important role in the win. Pyke and Glen Jakovich tied in the 1993 West Coast Best and Fairest. Injuries forced his premature retirement from playing in 1996.^[1]

After his retirement, Pyke continued his involvement with the Eagles, serving as team runner in 1997 and 1998. In 1999 Pyke became the Senior coach of the Claremont Football Club until his resignation in 2000. He then became a director at West Coast for four years from 2001. In 2003, Pyke was rewarded for his contribution to the West Coast Eagles with life membership.

In late 2004 Pyke resigned as a Director at West Coast and became an Assistant coach to Neil Craig. In late 2006 Pyke resigned as Adelaide's assistant coach after two seasons to return home, and concentrate on his business. He is married to Jodie and has two daughters Ashton (15) and Chandler (13).

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2003). The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers: every AFL/VFL player since 1897 (5th ed.). Melbourne, Victoria: Crown Content. p. 594. ISBN 1-74095-032-1.

Preceded by Dean Kemp

West Coast Eagles Best and Fairest 1993 tied with Glen Jakovich

Succeeded by Glen Jakovich

Persondata
Name	Pyke, Don
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	5 December 1968
Place of birth	United States of America
Date of death
Place of death