Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew has revealed a text message he sent to Richmond coach Damien Hardwick after the three-time premiership coach’s shock departure.
Hardwick opted to leave the Tigers in May after 13-and-a-half seasons at the helm, with the desire to take a break from the caper.
It has not stopped speculation about his next coaching move, however, with some flagging the allure of a club like Gold Coast for the next phase of his coaching career.
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This is despite the presence of Dew, who has coached the Suns since 2018 and is contracted until the end of 2024.
Dew signed a contract extension in 2022 despite the availability of Alastair Clarkson and Ross Lyon, who ultimately joined North Melbourne and St Kilda respectively.
With Hardwick now the big fish in the coaching market, Dew said he reached out to his former Port Adelaide premiership teammate in jest.
“So look, I texted Damien and I said, ‘Thanks for the timing mate, I’ve just got rid of Clarko’,” Dew said on SEN Sportsday.
“He said, ‘No, no I‘m not taking anyone’s job, I’m going away for five years’.”
Dew has faced several questions about his future in recent times, but insisted it did not weigh heavily on him.
“No, it doesn‘t drive me mad,” Dew said.
“I think the more it happens, the more I‘m prepared if that makes sense.
“I think you know me well, I try not to talk fluff and talk in an honest sense.
“Whether it‘s about me or mistruths about the footy club, you can’t let that get in.
“You‘ve got to remain focused and that’s what I’m paid to do at the footy club to try and stay focused on our group and what’s next.”
Gold Coast takes on Adelaide this week in Darwin, with the Suns having defeated the Western Bulldogs at the same venue last week.