Dean was a highly popular and well regarded member of the Port Adelaide coaching staff from 2002 to 2007 when he was an assistant coach under Mark Williams.
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said the club was shattered to learn of Dean’s passing.
“The entire Port Adelaide Football Club is saddened to hear of Dean’s passing and our deepest condolences go out to his wife Caron, sons Mitchell and Darcy and his entire family and friends,” said Mr Thomas.
“Our thoughts are also with the players, coaches and staff of the Adelaide Football Club and all of Dean’s past clubs.”
Mr Thomas said that Dean was highly respected in his role as assistant coach at Port Adelaide from 2002 to 2007.
“Dean played an instrumental role as defensive coach in our premiership year of 2004. Current players Dom Cassisi and Kane Cornes often refer to the influence that Dean had on their personal careers from both an on and off field perspective and his contribution to our premiership,” said Mr Thomas.
“Dean clearly was a great football person but most significantly he was just a wonderful person full stop. He will be sadly missed by all.”
In his honour, Port Adelaide players will wear black arm bands in their Round 1 clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
