Stuart Dew Shocks AFL World by Departing Brisbane Lions After Back-to-Back Premierships
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, Brisbane Lions head coach Stuart Dew has officially stepped down just days after leading the club to its second consecutive premiership. The unexpected announcement has left fans, players, and pundits stunned, with many questioning how and why such a successful figure would walk away at the peak of his coaching career.
Dew’s tenure at the Lions has been nothing short of remarkable. After years of rebuilding, he transformed the team into a disciplined, dangerous, and dominant force. Under his guidance, the Lions developed a fiercely competitive brand of football that ultimately delivered back-to-back flags — a feat not achieved by the club since its iconic early-2000s dynasty.
The announcement came via a brief club statement this morning, with Dew thanking players, staff, and supporters but offering little in the way of explanation. “I’ve given everything I have to this club,” Dew said. “After two premierships and many years of hard work, I feel now is the right time to step away. This has not been an easy decision, but it’s one I’ve made with clarity and confidence.”
Behind the scenes, however, questions are swirling. Sources close to the club say the departure caught many off guard, with some senior players learning the news at the same time as the public. There is currently no clear indication of whether Dew resigned of his own volition or if internal pressures played a part.
Speculation ranges from personal reasons to possible disagreements with the club’s board or executive leadership. Some reports suggest Dew may have had long-term differences with certain decision-makers within the Lions’ administration, while others believe he may be eyeing a break from the high-pressure demands of senior coaching — or possibly lining up for a surprise role elsewhere in the AFL landscape.
The timing of Dew’s exit adds to the drama. Just a week ago, he was being hailed as one of the great modern coaches, with the Lions’ back-to-back success cementing his reputation. Now, the club is without a leader and faces an off-season of uncertainty as it scrambles to secure a replacement before pre-season preparations begin.
Brisbane CEO Greg Swann addressed the media late this afternoon, thanking Dew for his service and insisting that the club would remain stable. “Stuart leaves as a premiership coach and a respected leader,” Swann said. “While the timing is unexpected, we respect his decision and thank him for everything he’s done.”
As the dust settles, attention now turns to who will take the reins at the Gabba. Assistant coaches like Jed Adcock and Nigel Lappin have been floated as interim options, while external names — including recently available senior coaches — are already being linked to the job.
Regardless of what comes next, one thing is certain: Stuart Dew’s departure marks the end of a golden chapter in Brisbane’s history. How and why it ended so abruptly remains unclear — but its impact will be felt for years to come.
