ADELAIDE has struck the first strategic coup of the Don Pyke era, set to ink defensive linchpin Daniel Talia to a four-year contract extension.

Rebound ace Brodie Smith is also close to agreeing to a three-year deal to remain at West Lakes in a further vote of confidence for new coach Pyke.

All-Australian Talia is widely viewed as the force Pyke could least afford to lose as the key plank in a talented but inexperienced back six.

Talia, 24, is entering the prime years of his career which saw Adelaide move to add four years to the tenure which expires at season’s end.

Round 18

Former club champion Talia will now shepherd emerging stars including Rory Laird, Jake Lever and Kyle Hartigan as Adelaide builds toward a third club premiership.

Talia takes a solid grab against the Eagles at Unley Oval. Source: Getty Images

“I am settled. Hopefully we can take another step forward this year,” Talia told The Advertiser.

“There’s a few guys down there who have really come on like Rory Laird, Luke Brown, Kyle Hartigan and Brodie Smith, these guys are developing their leadership all the time which is part of my role.”

Talia’s grandfather Harvey Stevens was a ruckman in Western Bulldogs’ last premiership team in 1954. Talia has fronted in 98 games since being recruited from the Calder Cannons and debuted against Sydney in 2011.

Talia, however, is settled in Adelaide with partner Megan Bennett and wasn’t prone to the lure of home that saw gun on-baller Patrick Dangerfield return to Geelong last year.

Smith, a first-round (No. 14) selection in 2010 from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens, was knocked out twice before May last year leading to a 20-day break between games.

Adelaide has signalled it expects a long and distinguished career for half back Smith, 24, who joined Talia as an All-Australian in 2014.