Gold Coast's Stuart Dew says he won't let the prospect of being replaced by Alastair Clarkson as coach of the AFL club occupy his thoughts this year.
Four-time premiership mentor Clarkson has often been linked to the hot seat at the underperforming Suns since his departure from Hawthorn was confirmed mid-way through last season.
The 53-year-old is open to a coaching return in the future after taking this year off.
But Dew, who played under Clarkson in the Hawks' 2008 premiership team, is unmoved by the constant speculation.
He believes public backing from chairman Tony Cochrane and Suns players, including star midfielder Matt Rowell, is a strong indicator about his position at the club.
"Twelve months into my journey we made a decision to cut pretty deep on the list, and we knew there was gonna be some pain, but our players are really aware of the journey we're on," Dew told Fox Footy.
"We're optimistic. They look around the locker room and the footy club and they see a future all together.
"It's our club, it's our story to write and I'm clearly part of that, so I back myself in.
"I can't control what others say but I feel it every day when I go in the footy club.
"It's not going to infiltrate my thinking. I've got to stay focused for the footy club and the players and that's my intention.
"They make it pretty easy, to be honest, to keep focused on them."
The Suns beat West Coast in round one and are aiming for two straight wins to start the season for the first time since 2018 - Dew's first year at the helm.
They host reigning premiers Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
