Gold Coast Suns finalise 2019 AFL coaching group

GOLD Coast have finalised its coaching group for the 2019 season. Only four coaches from the 2018 season remain following a raft of changes to virtually all aspects to the department with head coach Stuart Dew shaping the group.

GOLD Coast have finalised its coaching group for the 2019 season.

Only four coaches from the 2018 season remain following a raft of changes to virtually all aspects to the department with head coach Stuart Dew shaping the group.

Andrew Swallow, brother of Suns player David, has been signed as a new specialist coach while Josh Francou will become the head of development and integration.

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Francou, who played at Port Adelaide with Dew and spent time working with him at Sydney, will oversee the coaching and development of the Suns academy, NEAFL and AFL programs.

“Josh is highly regarded across the AFL industry both for his playing career and coaching background,” Suns football manager Jon Haines said.

Former Port Adelaide players Stuart Dew and Josh Francou spent time working together at the Sydney Swans. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He brings to the club, an extensive coaching CV and his teaching background will be a great asset in the development of our playing group, along with supporting the integration of all aspects of the learning experience from Academy to the senior AFL program.

“We’re all excited that Josh, his wife Jo and three boys Will, Oli and Ben will be joining the Gold Coast Suns in the coming months.”

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Swallow’s key focus areas will be working on stoppages and tackling.

The former North Melbourne captain, who will join the club in a part-time role, retired at the end of 2017 and played at Aspley in the NEAFL in 2018.

Former North Melbourne player Andrew Swallow (left) has joined the Suns in a part-time coaching role. Picture: Michael Klein.

“Andrew is a terrific character who is going to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our playing group,” Haines said.

“We look forward to Andrew, Elise, Isabelle and Jude joining brother David and his young family at the club.”

GOLD COAST SUNS 2019 COACHING GROUP:

Senior Coach – Stuart Dew

Senior Assistant Coach – Dean Solomon

Forwards Coach – Ashley Prescott

Defensive Coach – Josh Drummond

Head of Development & Integration/Midfield Coach – Josh Francou

Development Coach/ NEAFL Senior Coach – Nick Malceski

Development Coach – Tate Kaesler

Development Coach – Tim Clarke

Specialist Coach – Andrew Swallow