Former Port Adelaide premiership player Stuart Dew feels his old club is finally playing with the sort of qualities Matthew Primus showed on the field.
Dew was part of the Power’s maiden AFL flag in 2004 and while Primus missed the grand final victory against Brisbane due to injury, his captaincy was an influential part of the side’s rise to success.
“He was great to play with. He always looked after you – if someone belted you he’d be in there to sort them out,” Dew told AAP.
“He looks like he’s got them playing with that sort of feeling at the moment as well.
“I think they showed it when he first took over as a caretaker.
“There was a bit of a lapse last year, but I’m sure he’s proud of the way they’re playing.”
Dew, a life member of Port who is now an assistant coach with Sydney, has been tracking his old club’s progress with interest.
While the Swans will be Dew’s No.1 priority on Saturday when the two sides meet, it’s hard to completely sever a bond formed over 180 games with a club.
“They’ve started this year well which is good to see,” Dew said of the Power’s turnaround after a turbulent 2011 in which they barely dodged the wooden spoon.
“Last year they were probably disappointed with their whole year, so it’s good they’ve got that competitive edge back.
“They wouldn’t have been proud of their year last year.
“And they’re not talking about it, they’re actually doing it.”
Dew and Primus are two reminders of how a dominant AFL team has the tendency to produce a number of top-level coaches.
Of Brisbane’s 2001-2003 premiership teams, the Scott twins and Michael Voss already have head positions.
Justin Leppitsch, Nigel Lappin, Craig McRae, Beau McDonald, Blake Caracella, Chris Johnson, Marcus Ashcroft and Luke Power have all been employed in the coaches’ box at various stages.
Dew said it’s no accident.
“It’s about being part of a successful organisation.
“If you look from our `04 team – Matty’s got a senior job, Dean Bailey had the Melbourne job.
“Phil Walsh is at West Coast, (Brett) Montgomery – Bulldogs.
“(Brendon) Lade, (Damien) Hardwick – Richmond.
“(Alastair) Clarkson was part of that.
“Now you see Geelong players are starting to filter out – (Brenton) Sanderson, (Darren) Milburn, (Steven) King – so it’s funny the way it goes.”
