Stuart Dew

Suns coach Stuart Dew offers blunt response to coaching rumours following Hardwick departure

The Gold Coast coach has again had his future at Carrara come under the microscope.

Published by

Lachie Fagan

Gold Coast Suns head coach Stuart dew is affirmative that he will remain at his role at the club despite the rumors since Damian Hardwicks departure from Richmond.

The 50-year-old shocked the football world on Monday when he informed the club board that he was resigning as senior coach after 14 years, despite having 18 months to run on his contract.

His decision was effective immediately. Assistant coach Andrew McQualter will take over as interim senior coach as the Tigers hope to turn their season around.

In typical fashion, another former head coach has been linked to the Gold Coast top job with rumors circulating that Dew's time at the Suns is over.

Dew is affirmative that not only will he remain as the head coach, but he is also the right man to lead the football club.

"I found it amusing," Dew told Suns Media

"I'm confident I'm the coach for this club now and into the future and I think the club's pretty clear I'm that too.

"I'm 10 games into a new contract.

"We've got a playing list I feel that's committed to the club knowing I'm the coach.

"That connection is strong. I think we've committed to each other and that's powerful."

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Suns head coach Stuart Dew during the round 14 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Gold Coast Suns at University of Tasmania Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

The 43-year-old believes his former teammate should be celebrated for his accomplishments rather than a continuation of rumors about his future.

"I feel like we should be celebrating Damien and his contribution to the game, his journey.

"I certainly think 24 hours should have been sufficient to celebrate him. It's become a bit of a sport as to who's next."

Dew will turn his attention to the Bulldogs and the Crows, who they will meet in consecutive weeks. He embraces the challenge despite both clubs playing some well form footy of recent.

“The Bulldogs are a strong pressure team. They're potent all over the ground, but we feel like we've had some good battles against the Bulldogs recently.

“We're very keen to get up to Darwin and have a crack at this one.”

“The Bulldogs are a strong pressure team. They're potent all over the ground, but we feel like we've had some good battles against the Bulldogs recently.

"We're very keen to get up to Darwin and have a crack at this one.”

Local products Joel Jeffrey and Malcolm Rosas Jr starred for the SUNS in last year's Territory games and Dew believes they will deliver again.

“They're familiar with the conditions in Darwin. It's certainly different up there. It's very hot and humid, as it is here, but Darwin certainly takes it to the next level.

“It's very homely for them and brings out their best.”

Defender Sean Lemmens will miss the clash against the bulldogs after suffering a hamstring injury. His replacement will create an opportunity for the Darwin-born Ben long to return to the Lineup.

“Ben Long is the obvious choice to replace Lemmens. He will play, there's no secret there,” Dew said.

“He played well last week (in the VFL) and he's ready to go. Longy will be pretty keen to get stuck in again."

Published by

Lachie Fagan

1 year ago