Croad, vital to the stability of the Hawks backline, did not return to the field after half time and coach Alastair Clarkson told the media post-match that Croad was unable to put weight on his injured foot.
Dew spoke to Melbourne radio station SEN after the Hawks' Saturday morning recovery, declaring that Croad was optimistic about his finals' prospects.
"I just saw him down the beach and he was walking very well," said the former Port Adelaide premiership player.
"I actually said if we were playing this week would you be able to play and he said 'Yeah, I reckon I could get up for a game this week'.
"Having [next] weekend off I certainly think he'll be right for the week after."
Dew heaped praise on Hawthorn's forwards, suggesting the tackling and intensity of the forward line set the tone for the rest of the team.
"We knew our defensive pressure was going to be a big factor.
"One of the reasons [for our success] was Cameron Stokes, who came into the side. We've got Cyril Rioli and all our forwards were really good.
"Even Buddy giving away those 50s, we don't mind that.
"When your forwards are applying that type of pressure you know your side is really switched on," Dew said.
Hawthorn is facing this year's finals series with a different mentality after its 2007 campaign ended with a lacklustre loss to North Melbourne.
"The attitude is quite good and from what I hear it's quite different to what it was like last year," Dew said.
"You should not ever be happy to just get into the finals.
"It's an experience of what not to do. Not go in thinking you're going to waltz into the finals."
