Coach Kent: Ex-AFL Demon and Saint Dean Kent steps up as co-coach of Devon Meadows

Dean Kent says “now it’s time to take that next step’’ for Devon Meadows after he was elevated to co-coach of the Panthers in the MPFNL.

Dean Kent of the Saints celebrates a goal against Collingwood in 2022. Photo by Michael Klein

Dean Kent says becoming co-coach at Devon Meadows has “got that spring back in my step” after a frustrating run of injuries.

The former Melbourne and St Kilda player will be playing co-coach at the Panthers, sharing the top role with Ryan Hendy.

Kent has been plagued by leg injuries since joining Devon Meadows in 2023, managing 15 games last year and nine this year.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s got that spring back in my step,” Kent said of his elevation to coach.

“I’ve been down and out with injuries and feeling flat but even my partner said, ‘this might be that spring in your step that you needed, make sure you invest in the young guys and make sure they come out better footballers’, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Dean Kent and Ryan Hendy. Pic: Facebook

Dean Kent.

Devon Meadows has played finals in the past three seasons.

The Panthers made a straight sets exit last season, losing to Chelsea in the qualifying final by 107 points and to Somerville in the first semi-final by 34 points.

Kent, who played 100 AFL matches, is looking forward to working with Hendy to take the club to its first premiership.

“I’ll just bring my experience, different ideas and a different voice and see where that takes us,” he said.

“I’m good mates with ‘Span’ and we’ve got some great ideas.

“He’s got the club back to the surface and now it’s time to take that next step.

“We’ll be honest with each other and bounce ideas off each other.”

Kent played under six coaches during his AFL career — Mark Neeld, Neil Craig, Paul Roos, Simon Goodwin, Alan Richardson and Brett Ratten.

“Hopefully I can take some learnings off those guys and see where that takes me as a coach,” he said.

Dean Kent of the Saints celebrates a goal. Pic: Michael Klein

Kent said he was unsure if ex-AFL star Paddy Ryder would play on at Devon Meadows in 2025.

“We’re still in talks with Pat,’’ he said.

“Obviously me and him came down (to Devon Meadows) at the same time. We can’t speak highly enough of the footy club and the people around it which are great and have made us feel really welcome.

“We haven’t got him to sign a contract, that will pan out over the next couple of months, see what he wants to do with his footy.’’

Devon Meadows has re-signed most players, including league medallists Joel Hillis and Nick Battle, as well as Riley Simmons, Jack Wilson, Alex Canal and Ryan Koo.