Suns coach Stuart Dew ready for added scrutiny after overhaul

Suns coach Stuart Dew says he is now armed with his dream team.

SUNS coach Stuart Dew has the footy department he wants, his fingerprints on the playing list and is ready for the added scrutiny that will come with it.

A year into his contract at Gold Coast, Dew has shaped the football department around him, bringing in 11 new staff while adding 13 new players to the Suns list.

The rookie coach won four games in a tough opening year where he inherited a struggling team who were forced to spend half the season on the road due to the Commonwealth Games while learning a new game style.

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But the team is back at home in 2019 and 12 months of experience playing under Dew, the coach understands the pressure to show further improvement in the young group is critical.

“(The pressure) is reasonably large every year,” Dew said.

“Certainly I have loved the new people who have come in to the footy club and they have brought diff experiences from other clubs, both playing and off field as well.

Suns coach Stuart Dew (left) and his players.

“We have a good spread of experience and diversity in the group. As a senior coach you want that, different opinions, different ideas and people to challenge your own thoughts. I think we have a good mix.

“We are really confident we have the right people at our business now to start the climb.

“We have got a bit more depth (on the list). We have lost some experience but brought in some as well.

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“We have brought in some players looking for their own opportunity in AFL football.

“We have a number of players on their first chance and have got some guys seeking greater opportunity from other clubs from strong footy clubs and programs.”

Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans said it was a big moment in the history of the club.

“It’s an important time in the club’s history,” Evans said.

“Quite deliberately, the club has made a major transformation of its football program.

“Twelve months ago we appointed Stuart Dew, Craig Cameron Jon Haines.

“Now we have completely new programs, game plans, conditioning, welfare and leadership and culture.

“It’s been a very deliberate plan to change the course of the Suns.”