The on-field leader has been officially reappointed to the role, which he took over following the Demons’ breakthrough premiership under Greg Middleton in 2014.

Pyke said he was always keen to remain in the position and was looking forward to helping the club achieve its goals.

“I really enjoy the club atmosphere out at Bungaree and the people out there have been fantastic to me,” Pyke told The Courier.

“I’m really positive and bullish about the list we do have together at the moment and the foreseeable future as well.”

The 30-year-old said it was good to have things sorted out now and be able to solely focus on the current campaign.

Pyke first joined the Central Highlands Football League club in 2013 and was an assistant to Middleton when the Demons won the grand final against Springbank a year later. From there, he accepted the senior coaching position and took the side to last year’s preliminary final.

Bungaree again looks well placed for a crack at the premiership, currently sitting third on the ladder ahead of a tough run of matches that includes battles against Buninyong, Beaufort, Hepburn and Creswick.

Pyke is a product of Lake Wendouree and played in the Lakers’ 2010 Ballarat league senior flag. He is also a past member of the North Ballarat Rebels’ TAC Cup side.

Confirmation of Pyke’s signing follows news that both Learmonth and Creswick senior coaches won’t seek reappointment for season 2017.

Brenton Powell has declared he will step aside from the Lakies’ job at season’s end, as will Damian Lubeek from the Wickers’ position.