Coast’s rebuild brings energy

COACH Stuart Dew’s AFL overhaul on the Gold Coast has empowered him and his squad to do more than “tread water and float” again in 2019.

The Suns have made 25 changes on and off the field since their last AFL game, with co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May’s moves to Melbourne clubs the most notable.

Dew has used those exits to clear the slate in an overhaul he hopes will “break the cycle” after eight seasons in the league with a best finish of 12th.

Stocking his 2019 side with mature-age picks, fringe talent from rival AFL clubs and a handful of exciting draft prospects, Dew believes he has assembled a playing group with less star power but greater depth and physicality.

“We were pretty deliberate in our reset of the footy department and playing list,” he said.

“So there’s plenty of optimism ... I know there’s some scepticism out there but we see this as the only way for longevity of success.

“I don’t think it’s risky ... when you’re in it and you’ve got good support it’s actually quite empowering.”

Dew is confident he has the pieces he needs to complete the jigsaw, albeit slowly, at Metricon Stadium.

“Every team’s in a different position,” he said. “We’ll get players from other clubs that fit our needs and others might leave and be better in different systems.

“Everyone’s shuffling ... we could tread water and float again but we see this as a way forward.”

Things have started well too, with wins against Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs in pre-season trials.

New faces in top three draft picks Izak Rankine and Jack Lukosius have impressed while Jack Bowes, Callum Ah Chee and Wil Powell are among the returning brigade to make statements too.

“There’s a great energy around the place,” Dew said. “They’re all very personable.

“The staff have commented about how they are all humble, want to work hard and are really coachable.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air with different personalities; we want to encourage guys to be themselves.

“Forty-six robots walking around the club makes for a dull day.”

Predictably, Dew won’t put a number on what constitutes a successful season. “You don’t want to get seduced by the results,” he said.

“We’re going to have to be judged over a bigger body of work. Win or lose Round 1, it doesn’t mean it’s fixed or down the gurgler.”