Suns coach ignores talk of axe

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew remains confident about his future at the Suns despite speculation Saturday’s match against the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium will be his last game in charge.

Despite being contracted to the Suns until the end of next year, Dew’s Gold Coast future seems shaky amid reports that the AFL will remove the former Hawthorn great from the post if the club doesn’t act.

However, Dew on Friday said he didn’t need to “clarify” his Suns’ “existence”.

“Internally, we’re really confident that we’ve got a future together,” Dew said.

“That’s everyone at the footy club, so I haven’t seen the need to chase that one up.

“I’m not concerned. My concern really is this week. We’ve got a job to do as a footy club and I’m part of that, so it’s not about individuals in the footy club.

“We know coaches are under pressure, players, teams, but to be honest, I’ve been fairly focused on this.

“We’ve been away from home for a while which has allowed us to really connect as a group, and that’s been the main priority.

“I’m not here to clarify my existence. I’ve been trying to do the best job for the players and what does the team need from me, and that’s what I think I’ve been doing really well.”

In Dew’s three previous seasons in charge of Gold Coast, the Suns have finished 17th, 18th and 14th.

Suns coach Stuart Dew believes he has a future at the club. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Heading into this weekend’s final round of the regular season, the Suns are in 15th spot, having lost 13 of their 21 matches.

“Our best has elevated, and at different times we’ve really been able to move the ball with speed and good clarity for the players,” Dew said.

“We’ve been defensively strong for a lot of the year, and in that area of points against, we’re a little bit higher than what our ladder position suggests.

“Lately we’ve struggled to get (on) the scoreboard and that’s what’s hurt us, so that’s a key area we need to drive and continue to improve and focus on, but just the fact that these players can see the way forward and are committed to each other, I certainly think that they’re going to see it through.

“That’s the important part and sometimes the on-field part is the last bit to show, but we’re really confident internally that we’re on our way.”

Suns foundation players Jarrod Harbrow and Zac Smith will play their last games for the club on Saturday before retiring.

“We spoke to him (Smith) this week. It’s really important he finishes the year off and we’d love him to be able to play it where we need it for the mids to get play that territory game,” Dew said.

“And Jarrod, on and off the field he’s a great ambassador for the footy club. He’s a life member, he gives his all, and he knows that the club’s done him a lot of favours and he’s also done us a lot of favours.”

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