DEW PROCESS AND GOLD COAST HELP

Q

Was there anything you recognised from when Stuart Dew played at Hawthorn that you believe will help him become a successfull senior coach?

A

His performance in 2008 was absolutely incredible. In the same way we won then like Western Bulldogs won last year and Richmond this year. Noone – except me – expected a win. But their professionalism, their drive, the momentum was just so great. They put everything they had on the line.

Q

Dew went on to learn from Sydney Swans senior coach John Longmire after his retirement; what influence do you think he had on him?

A

The reality is he has been an assistant coach to Longmire for a few years now and there are some coaches and clubs in the league that stand out above others and it’s really to do with the calibre and professionalism of the people. Stuart has done his apprenticeship on the field and done his apprenticeship with Longmire off the field. He is well primed now for the Gold Coast Suns. You need probably five years (to get ready), even though he may do better in that time. (Alastair) Clarkson came to us in 2004, I became president in 2005 and we waited until 2008 to win the premiership. In the first year we only won five games in 2004. It’s important that the community don’t allow their expectations to reach beyond what is possible and what is viable.