Port Adelaide Power is reportedly making a strategic move to bring back their 2004 premiership hero Stuart Dew, aiming to add him to their coaching staff for the upcoming AFL season.
Dew, who was dismissed from his head coaching role at Gold Coast Suns midway through 2023, has since joined reigning premiers Brisbane Lions in a part-time skills coach role. Now, the Power is looking to lure him back into their fold.
According to 9News Adelaide's Braden Ingram, "There might be a little bit of interest from Port Adelaide in securing former premiership player Stuart Dew as an assistant."
This potential recruitment comes in the wake of assistant coach Luke Kelly's departure, leaving a vacancy in Port Adelaide's coaching team that Dew could fill.
Dew's links to Port Adelaide run deep, having played a crucial role in their 2004 premiership triumph.
His coaching experience, including a stint as an assistant at Sydney where he helped the Swans win the 2012 premiership, could bolster the premiership credentials in the coaching ranks at the Power.
Port Adelaide is not the only club showing interest in Dew, however. The Sydney Swans, where Dew previously worked, are also reportedly keen on bringing him back into their coaching setup, indicating he remains a sought-after figure in AFL circles despite his departure from Gold Coast.
In the meantime, the Power have also been active in the player market, though with mixed results. The club missed out on securing GWS defender Harry Perryman, who is expected to sign a lucrative six-year deal with Collingwood. Similarly, they were unable to lure Giants defender Isaac Cumming, who will head to Adelaide's Crows.
These setbacks could influence the club's approach in the upcoming trade period, particularly regarding defender Dan Houston, who has expressed a desire to return to Victoria but is reportedly open to staying at Port if a suitable deal cannot be arranged.
As Port Adelaide prepares for the 2024 season, the potential addition of Stuart Dew to their coaching panel would mark a significant reunion with one of their former stars. His wealth of experience, both as a player and coach, could provide the perspective to help the Power bounce back from recent disappointments and push for that elusive grand final berth.
