Stuart Dew was quick to dismiss the notion his team were motivated by the speculation surrounding his own future at the club; instead paying tribute to a man who has overcome countless ordeals to reach his 100th game.
Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew was quick to dismiss the notion his team were motivated by the speculation surrounding his own future at the club, in the aftermath of his side’s seven-point triumph over Western Bulldogs.
Rather he believes the team was fueled by a desire to honour utility Nick Holman’s milestone occassion; one which was achieved under tragic circumstances.
White noise engulfed the AFL landscape regarding Dew’s long-term tenure on the Glitter Strip in light of three-time premiership winning Richmond coach Damien Hardwick’s decision to step away from the Tigers last week.
Hardwick was hurridly linked to Dew’s job after the bombshell move.
As the Suns hunt a maiden finals campaign success will ultimately be what determines the 43-year-old’s fate beyond the end of his 2024 contract.
But the signs on Saturday night to end the Bulldogs five-game winning run were that of a team determined to fight for their mentor and the collective goal of becoming a league powerhouse.
Speaking after his side’s 13.6 (84) to 11.11 (77) win in Darwin, Dew said his position at the Suns’ helm was not a major talking point for the club heading into the clash, nor would it be throughout the campaign.
He said the Gold Coast’s breakthrough victory over an in-form contender was a by-product of the team buying into the pathway the orange and yellow outfit have paved moving forward.
“You’d have to ask the players, but I certainly don’t make it about myself. I’m here to serve the players as everyone else is at the footy club and get them as best as we can,” Dew said.
“I think we’ve created an environment where they can see a future going forward and success so that’s important. I feel proud that they’re committed to that.
“I think the journey of our footy club is only short but I feel like … we’re a real footy club now and players want to be here. We’re not paying premiums, we’re paying what they’re worth and they’re giving it back as much as what they take.
“But what we do know is we’re committed to a journey together and I think we’ll just keep cracking away at that and have a good time getting after it.
“At the end of the day we’re here to win as many games of footy as possible; that’s what the players want and I feel like that’s my job.
“That’s’ why I try not to listen to anything external because I want my focus firmly on that – how do I serve the players?”
The Suns were driven by plenty of emotion in the Northern Territory, as they sought to deliver their best for Nick Holman’s 100 game milestone.
Holman has endured every high and low the game has to offer, both on and off the field.
Having resurrected his career on the Gold Coast after being delisted by Carlton, the 27-year-old was forced to overcome the sudden loss of his mother, Kylie, shortly after Christmas 2021 to a heart attack.
Alas, she was there celebrating Holman’s century in spirit — her initials etched onto his jersey as he kicked two special goals while topping the Suns tackle count with 10.
It was then up to the likes of Jack Lukosius (five goals) and Matt Rowell (29 disposals, 16 clearances and a goal) to spearhead the win and take the Suns within a win of the top eight.
And Dew was full of praise for what Holman had achieved — overcoming three years on the AFL outter, a perforated bowel and his mother’s death to reach his triple figures.
“What he (Holman) has been through, he’s just a fantastic human, a selfless bloke who’s had a fair bit of trauma,” Dew said.
“He lost his best mate, his mum, last year, such a good family and I think … even that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what he went through.
“We just think he’s been one of our best recruits for sure, I think he’s the heart and soul of the footy club and no doubt the boys wanted to play well for him and think good footy clubs get that done.
“He’s a star, I’m glad we got him. When you see the number seven walking down the race you know what you’re going to get.”
Holman, speaking with Fox Sports after his exploits, dedicated his performance to his mother while praising the influence Dew has had on the group in light of the Hardwick links.
“He’s such a caring person and coach and I’m lucky enough to work with him as a leader. He just puts us firs tall the time and takes all the heat for us,” Holman said.
“I’m very proud, I’ve got my family and friends here so it’s a good time to reflect and I’ll enjoy a beer with them. Kicked a couple of goals, they were for her and my family and I just love all the support.”
Originally published as Gold Coast Suns star Nick Holman’s two-goal tribute to mum as Stuart Dew dismisses Damian Hardwick links