AFL: Gold Coast Suns stars throw support behind Stuart Dew

Gold Coast Suns players have shot down any talk of their coach being given his marching orders as they look to build on their major upset.

Stuart Dew led his side to a much-needed win against Richmond.

Embattled Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew received the backing of his players after their miraculous win over reigning champions Richmond.

The Suns produced one of the upsets of the season in their 10.17 (77) to 10.7 (67) win against the Tigers, and gave Dew some breathing space after a three-game losing streak.

For Suns captain David Swallow, it was one of the best wins since he had been with the club.

“Yeah, it definitely has to be up there,” Swallow said.

“I suppose considering we had a pretty ordinary month, not many people probably picked us against the Tigers.

“We were confident of that type of performance at some stage. We were obviously low on confidence in previous weeks, but it was really pleasing to bounce back against the Tigers.”

David Swallow has offered his support to Stuart Dew.

Swallow also threw his backing behind Dew, and commented on how strong the bond was between the coach and the playing group.

“I feel like he’s relatable to all the guys,” Swallow said.

“I suppose the kind of personality he is, he just gets on with most of the group.

“He’s friendly (and) he obviously sees the game really well.”

Suns youngster Wil Powell echoed the sentiments of his captain, and gave an incredible insight into just how highly he rated Dew.

“It sort of feels like a father figure around the club for me,” Powell said.

“I’m still young so I look to him for a bit of support and guidance on what to do off-field, and then on-field it comes on a game day, just those normal conversations.

“He’s always got his door open, and he’s so easy to talk to, everyone relates to him really well.

“I reckon he's the right coach forever. I love him.”

Powell also opened up on the growing confidence within the club.

“A lot more of the other players can feel that belief building within the group,” he said.

“It becomes feeling like it’s a whole family vibe around the club.

Wil Powell is firmly in the camp of keeping Stuart Dew on board with the club.

“(We) just have to keep that belief and play the way we played against Richmond. If we play the way we played like that, we should have enough belief that we should win the game.”

Despite the Suns sitting on 14th spot on the ladder, Dew has the chance to lead the side to their best ever finish under his tenure.

The Glitter Strip outfit ended the 2020 season with a record of five wins, 11 losses and one draw.

Their 2021 record sits at five wins and 10 losses, d and seven matches to play.

The Suns also have the equal-youngest squad in the league, with an average age of 23.7 throughout their squad.

One figure that’s been a leader in the squad is Touk Miller.

According to Powell, 25-year-old Miller is someone that everyone in the club looks up to, no matter what their age.

“He (Miller) is amazing, he’s just a leader,” Powell said.

“Ever since I came into the club he’s been a leader. You see him around doing extras and you just want to follow his lead.

“He does everything he can for the team on and off the field. Whenever he speaks everyone listens.

“He’s been huge for the group.”

The Suns will hope to build on their victory against Richmond when they take on the GWS Giants on Sunday.

Originally published as AFL: Gold Coast Suns stars throw support behind Stuart Dew