AFL: Former Crows coach Don Pyke has bobbed up at Sydney 12 months after leaving Adelaide

The man behind Adelaide’s infamous power stance has landed a coaching job at the Sydney Swans.

Don Pyke has joined Sydney as an assistant coach. Picture: Sarah Reed

Twelve months after he left the main job at Adelaide, former Crows coach Don Pyke has landed an assistant’s role at the Sydney Swans.

Pyke left the Crows amid lingering fallout from a pre-season camp that was believed to be the reason for several players leaving the club after their 2017 Grand Final loss.

The former West Coast midfielder was at the helm when the Crows invoked the “power stance” during their 2017 finals campaign.

It was an idea formed out of a partnership with Collective Mind, the driving force behind the club‘s controversial pre-season training camp.

The power stance before the 2017 AFL Grand Final from the Adelaide Crows. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Media/Getty Images

Pyke spent four seasons in change at the Crows but resigned at the end of the 2019 season when Adelaide missed the finals.

He has now linked up with the Swans, who missed the finals this season amid a youth-led rebuild.

Welcome Don!

We are pleased to announce Don Pyke will join the club as an assistant coach.

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) October 13, 2020

Sydney Swans general manager of football Charlie Gardiner said Pyke would bring valuable experience to the Swans coaching team.

“We’re excited to be able to bring in a coach of Don’s calibre,” Gardiner said.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience, is strategically minded, and is passionate about developing players to be part of successful teams.

“We think Don is a great addition to our coaching panel as we look to continue the development of our young team.

“We look forward to welcoming Don and his wife Jodie to Sydney.”

Pyke will start with the club in November.

Originally published as AFL: Former Crows coach Don Pyke has bobbed up at Sydney 12 months after leaving Adelaide