The Crows will today unveil Don Pyke as the club’s new coach.

The West Coast assistant, who has signed a three-year deal, “emerged as a standout on a high quality list of candidates during a thorough and lengthy selection process”, the club said in a statement.

Pyke, 46, has history with the Adelaide Football Club, having worked as an assistant under former mentor Neil Craig.

He comes to the top job after serving as Stoppages and Structures Coach for the past two seasons at Grand Finalist West Coast.

He was a two-time premiership player with the Eagles in 1992 and 1994.

“Adelaide has earnt great respect across the AFL and there is a lot to like about the framework already in place,” said Pyke in a 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.”

Crows CEO Andrew Fagan said Pyke was an “innovative thinker with outstanding 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…he has also previously coached his own team and everyone we contacted spoke highly of his football acumen.”

He said Pyke’s history suggests “success follows him”.