AFL: Stuart Dew is undaunted by the massive task that has been handed to him – turning Gold Coast into a viable and relevant AFL entity.
The Port Adelaide and Hawthorn premiership player, and most recently Sydney assistant (pictured), has been signed on as coach for the next three seasons.
Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans praised Dew’s “connection to people” and ability to “(band) them together to chase down success ... influenced by his time at Hawthorn, Sydney and Port Adelaide”.
Dew played 206 senior games and was a premiership player with the Power in 2004 and the Hawks in 2008 after being enticed out of retirement by Alastair Clarkson.
Gold Coast has been a graveyard for senior coaches with Guy McKenna (2014) and Rodney Eade (2017) both axed after failing to find success.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here today if I had any reservations,” the 38-year-old said. “I am aware in the lifetime of an AFL coach you probably get one crack at it, some get more. But I am aware that this is my opportunity and I’m rapt.”
Dew beat the favourite, Carlton assistant John Barker, and Clarkson’s new right-hand man at Hawthorn, Scott Burns, to the role.
Dew had previously been touted as Paul Roos’ successor at Melbourne but opted to bide his time at Sydney.
“As an aspiring assistant you certainly look at opportunities that might come up and this is one I have been keeping my eye on for a while,” Dew said.
“I am excited by the challenge, I have been in three great environments and I have a clear view on what I think delivers a successful environment.”
Dew revealed that he had not yet spoken to wantaway Suns star Gary Ablett but has “touched base” with co-captain Tom Lynch, who is currently in Europe.
There is also speculation Dew may entice Swans big man and Gold Coast native Kurt Tippett to come with him after falling out of favour at Sydney this season.
But, the new coach said he wouldn’t be making any “bold statements” about the improvements he wanted to see in the near future.
“We’ll be setting small goals. In terms of turnarounds, we want every day to be a turnaround on the day previous,” Dew said.
Brisbane, meanwhile, is believed to be the desired destination for Queenslandbred Adelaide Crow Charlie Cameron in season 2018.
The AFL’s free agency period begins today with the trade period to follow on Monday.
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