Josh Francou endorses ‘fantastic’ Stuart Dew for vacant Adelaide Crows coaching job

FORMER Power star Josh Francou endorses Sydney assistant Stuart Dew as a strong candidate for the Adelaide Crows coaching job.

Attention - Zac Milbank story - Former SANFL Central Districts player and AFL Port Adelaide Power player - Stuart Dew in the huddle at 3 quarter time with the Sydney Swans against the Adelaide Crows during the 2nd qualifying final

FORMER Power star Josh Francou has endorsed Sydney assistant Stuart Dew as a strong candidate for the Crows coaching job, saying he would be “terrific’’ in the role.

“From what I’ve observed over the past 12 months I think he is someone who could step into the breach and lead a footy club,’’ said Francou, who is an assistant coach alongside Dew at Sydney and led North Adelaide to the 2013 SANFL grand final.

“He’s genuinely blown me away with his ability to manage a playing group, talk to the playing group and get his message across.

“His knowledge of the game, ability to see the game unfold and the way he articulates his messages in meetings is outstanding and I’m not just saying that because I’m mates with him.

“On game day he sees things that I think ‘wow, how did he see that’ and he can make adjustments with how the game is unfolding.’’

With dual Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson, former West Coast coach John Worsfold and ex-Lions coach Michael Voss ruling themselves out of contention, Dew is one of the favourites to replace sacked Brenton Sanderson as the Crows’ seventh full-time coach.

Josh Francou believes Stuart Dew would be ideal at Adelaide. Picture: SARAH REED.

But, surprisingly, Francou doesn’t believe Adelaide has yet made contact with Dew, who was highly sought after by Melbourne to be Paul Roos’ long-term replacement before re-signing with the Swans.

“I’m really close with Dewy and he tells me they (the Crows) haven’t made contact with him yet,’’ Francou told radio FIVEaa.

“Should they? I think they would be mad not to.’’

Dew, who won premierships with Port Adelaide and Hawthorn as a player, will play a key role in the coaches box for the Swans in today’s grand final against the Hawks and could receive a phone call from Adelaide as early as tomorrow.

“Whether he thinks he’s right for it at the moment remains to be seen but I think he would be a terrific senior coach at AFL level,’’ Francou said.

Originally published as Josh Francou endorses ‘fantastic’ Stuart Dew for vacant Adelaide Crows coaching job