Gold Coast interim coach Steven King says despite the “brutal” nature of Stuart Dew’s sacking, he can’t afford to let emotion get in the way of him doing his job at the Suns.
Dew’s axing on Tuesday after almost six seasons as Suns coach continues to hang over the club’s head in the build-up to Saturday’s clash against St Kilda at Heritage Bank Stadium.
Former assistant coach King has been elevated to the top job for the rest of the season and said it was his task to leave the Suns in the best shape possible for whoever becomes Dew’s permanent replacement next month.
“As brutal as it is, in this industry no one waits for you, and you have to get on with your next responsibility and task,” King said.
“In times like these where there’s a lot of emotion around, you could try 100 new things and I don’t think you’d get the result you’re after.
“I’ve got a couple of ideas that may get built into what we do in the next couple of weeks, but ultimately this week is about getting everyone’s head back in the game, making sure they play on instinct and passion and care for one another and (have) a bit of pride.”
“My focus is purely to get through this week, get a result against St Kilda and make sure, whatever happens, that this place is left in a really good spot for whoever comes in.”
King, who has been at the Suns since October 21 after having a similar assistant coaching role at the Western Bulldogs, said he had been in contact with Dew since the sacking.
“I’ll continue to reach out to him,” King said.
“There’s that human element. It’s not great, but that’s just what it is. (I will) just offer him and his family support.”
King said Saturday’s clash was a “must-win” match for the Suns.
“Not when it comes to finals, (but) this a must-win (game) just in regard to how we respond as a footy club,” he said.
“We’re facing a team that’s ruthless and well organised and coached by a great coach (Ross Lyon).
“We know what’s coming, so we just have to make sure we’re ready for that. We just want to get back to playing the best brand of footy we can.
“That’s the challenge we’ve got within two days.”
King said Elijah Hollands would be recalled for AFL duty for the first time since round 4.
“He’s hit some form in the past two weeks at VFL level,” he said of the wingman.
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