Stuart Dew signs on as full-time Brisbane Lions assistant after departure of Murray Davis

Former Gold Coast senior coach Stuart Dew has signed as an assistant coach with reigning AFL premiers Brisbane on a full-time basis after joining the club part-time mid-way through 2024.

Dew will replace departing and highly regarded forwards coach Murray Davis, who is headed to Adelaide for 2025.

Dew was sacked by the Suns during the 2023 season, after which he took some time away from footy and explored a cameo opportunity with the Australian men’s Test cricket team during their Ashes tour of England.

He joined the Lions as a part-time specialist coach in the second half of this season, where he became a small part of the club’s premiership success.

“I am excited to join the Brisbane Lions Football Club,” Dew said.

“To see the way the club’s leaders, staff and players have remained connected and committed to each other throughout the ups and downs of their journey was so impressive and ultimately rewarded with the Premiership Cup.

“I am grateful that Chris Fagan and Danny Daly gave me the opportunity to be involved at the half-way mark of the season and to contribute to September action once again.

“It solidified to me again what it takes to achieve the ultimate success — everyone playing their role and backing each other in.

“I can’t wait to play my role for this great football club.”

Before taking the top job at the Suns, Dew spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Sydney under John Longmire.

As a player, he won premierships with both Port Adelaide and Hawthorn.

Lions footy boss Danny Daly said Dew’s appointment was huge for the club’s premiership defence in 2025.

“We are delighted to have Stuart joining us in a full-time capacity and are excited by what he can help the rest of our coaching staff achieve moving forward,” Daly said.

“Stuart has an impressive resume and brings invaluable experience as both a two-time premiership player and a former senior coach himself.

“Having worked with our club already this season, we see it being a seamless transition and he will be able to hit the ground running when preseason starts.

“On behalf of everyone at the Lions we are really looking forward to having Stuart and his family at our club in 2024 and beyond.”

Before announcing his departure earlier this week, Davis had spent 13 years at the Lions.

“Murray has been an extremely valuable member of our club for more than a decade and we are forever grateful for what he has given us,” Daly said.

“He has played a vital role in helping the club go from bottom of the ladder to premiers, especially working with our defenders and forwards.

“As a club you never want to see good people go, however, after 13 years we understand Murray’s reasons for wanting to take on a new challenge.”

Davis said it was tough to leave the place he has called home for so long.

“I would like to thank the Brisbane Lions Football Club and all the people that I’ve worked closely with over 13 seasons,” Davis said.

“I’ve learnt so many life and football lessons and I’ll be forever grateful for the journey this football club has taken me on.

“It’s been a difficult decision due to the connections I’ve built over my time, yet I leave knowing the club is in great hands.

“To leave on such a high with the club in an incredibly strong position and as a premiership assistant coach is very special to me.”