Dew joins Swans as development coach

THE SYDNEY Swans have appointed dual premiership player Stuart Dew as development coach.

Dew won flags with both Hawthorn and Port Adelaide, and joins former Hawks teammates Ben McGlynn and Josh Kennedy in the harbour city.

The 30-year-old said he was thrilled to be joining Stuart Maxfield and Daniel McPherson in the development department.

"I am excited about joining the Sydney Swans," he said.

"I have admired this club from afar on the field and loved the way it operated.

"I now really look forward to getting involved, getting to know the group and contributing to what looks like an exciting list to work with."

Swans coach Paul Roos welcomed Dew's appointment as the replacement for Brett Allison, who has headed home to North Melbourne.

"We are extremely pleased to add a person of Stuart's character and extraordinary playing background to our coaching team," he said.

"Coming from two excellent clubs in Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, and having won premierships with both, he will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that he will be able to pass onto our players."

Dew retired for good at the end of the 2009 season after being drafted by Port Adelaide in 1996.

He retired from Port Adelaide after the 2006 season and spent 2007 away from football but was enticed back into the game by Hawthorn for 2008, playing a vital role in their grand final win over Geelong when he kicked two goals in five minutes in the third term and set  up a couple of others.

He played a total of 206 AFL games, 180 for Port Adelaide before spending his final two seasons at Hawthorn.