Pyke has been reappointed to the role for the Demons’ 2018 Central Highlands Football League campaign, which will be his fourth in the top job.

“With the young group that we’ve got assembled at the moment and the way we’re working towards September this season, I just thought that it’s a very promising group to take hold of,” Pyke said.

“...being able to progress it and take them further next season really excites me from a coaching perspective.”

Pyke took over at the helm from Greg Middleton in 2015 and has led the senior side to finals appearances in the past two seasons.

The Demons will again be part of the playoffs this year, with the team currently locked in a battle to secure a top four position.

Pyke, a Ballarat Football League premiership player with Lake Wendouree in 2010, served as Middleton’s assistant before taking over the senior coaching position.

He also played in the Demons’ breakthrough flag in 2014.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Pyke said of continuing his coaching tenure.

“In the end, if you weren’t interested in it you wouldn’t put your hat in the ring. It’s definitely something that I’m looking forward to and something that I’m excited to take on again.”

Pyke and his charges had their eight-match winning streak brought to an end at the hands of rivals Springbank at the weekend.

The 17-point defeat was a hefty blow for the Demons, which slipped from fourth on the ladder to sixth on percentage behind Gordon and Buninyong.

Bungaree has a tough run to the finals series that includes games against the Eagles and Bombers before a round 17 encounter with Ballan.