A file picture of Don Pyke at AAMI Stadium in 2006.

Pyke, 46, takes charge of the Crows as the club’s eighth senior coach since the club’s inception in 1991.

The West Coast premiership player was the leading candidate for the vacancy created in tragedy by the death of Phil Walsh on July 3. It is his first senior coaching job — and his return to Adelaide where he was assistant coach to Neil Craig in 2005-6.

He has worked at West Coast as its midfield strategist for the past two seasons.

Pyke says in a club statement: “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.

“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.”

Premiership master Michael Malthouse, who mentored Pyke at West Coast, has endorsed Pyke’s rise to a senior job.

“He was instrumental in giving West Coast its significance — putting a toehold — in the national competition,” Malthouse said. “He is a very good thinker, in fact he is a wonderful thinker of the game.

“He is intelligent, quite demanding but very rational.”

michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au