West Coast CEO Don Pyke reveals pride after Eagles victory in wake of tragic death of club great Adam Selwood

An emotional Don Pyke has expressed his pride after West Coast’s win in the wake of the tragic death of premiership player Adam Selwood. The Eagles upset St Kilda late last month at Optus Stadium to claim their first victory of the season, but it was the circumstances around the triumph that left an impression on the football world. A little over 24 hours earlier Selwood had suddenly died at only 41 just months after the passing of his twin Troy. Eagles chief executive Don Pyke couldn’t hold back tears when speaking to 7NEWS about the victory, saying he was “proud of the footy club” for the day. “It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy for the staff in particular, they were close to Adam and the players were probably more upset because the staff were upset,” Pyke said. “A lot of them didn’t know Adam, they didn’t know his reputation and his involvement across the club but they sensed that it was a sad day for the club. “When the siren went it was quite interesting, I sort of sat back and thought ‘how are we going to deal with this?’ and I thought the players showed a real maturity. “They won their first game for the year, you’d expect they’d be jumping around, they’d be all over but they were sort of this subdued nature to this. “It was a great win but it was a sad win. But it showed to me how great footy clubs are because everyone came together, all the planets align and we win a game of footy off the back of what was an incredibly sad weekend for the club.” Pyke also spoke about the continued hope to re-sign No.1 draftee Harley Reid beyond next year as speculation continues about a move back to Victoria. The Eagles have reportedly offered a series of deals to the midfielder, who is yet to commit beyond his initial draft deal. “We’ve been in communication with him and his management ... I appreciate that it’s unique and we recognise that as a No.1 pick, I don’t think any of us have seen a player hit the scene as strong as he did,” Pyke said. “As much as we’d love to get him re-signed and we’re certainly in those conversations with him but you don’t tie him down and say ‘sign here’. “He’ll make his decision when he wants to. He’s enjoying his time here and as much as everyone would be desperate for us to sign him, it’ll take the time it takes.”