Heavily courted by Melbourne late last year for the role as Paul Roos' successor, Dew instead decided to sign a new three-year contract at the Swans.
Since ending his 206-game playing career with Port Adelaide and Hawthorn in 2009, Dew has filled a variety of roles in Sydney, originally working with Roos before he handed the reins to John Longmire.
The timing wasn't right for Dew to agree to the Demons' succession plan but with some more coaching under his belt this year, he told AFL.com.au he would love a senior role.
"Very close," Dew said when asked how close he came to accepting Melbourne's offer.
"It was a good opportunity from 'Roosy' but just the timing wasn't quite there.
"It's obviously something that really dominates your life and really needs everything, so I thought another one or two more years and then I'd be ready to embrace that opportunity.
"Eight months have already passed, so it comes around pretty quick.
"It's one of those things that I'd love to get the opportunity (to do) but I'm enjoying my time doing what I'm doing.
"Not many people get that opportunity and may never again.
"You can't get obsessed by it."
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Dew won premierships with both Port and the Hawks before moving into coaching, originally filling a development role in his first year at the Swans.
He shifted to defensive work the following year and has also spent time with the midfield and stoppages.
Highly rated as a coaching prospect, Dew was asked if he felt he needed some more experience before taking the next step.
"Not necessarily," he said. "I think most coaches, once they start, they always say you can never be prepared for what's to come.
"Until you're actually in that position, you can't really say 'now I'm ready'. I've heard that from almost every new coach.
"I think once you're in there, you're really head-first into it.
"You've got some different theories on how the game should be played but essentially everyone's trying to win the same prize.
"Obviously there's only 18 jobs in the land but if that opportunity arose, it'd be fantastic.
"I'd really love that challenge. We'll have to wait and see."
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Late in his playing career the prospect of coaching started to enter Dew's head.
He took all he could from playing under Mark Williams and Alastair Clarkson and continued his apprenticeship with Roos and now Longmire.
"You grab a bit from everyone and try to relay that to the players," he said.
He is happy to go through what can sometimes be an exhaustive interviewing process with a prospective employer, something he experienced with Melbourne last year.
But the ideal situation would be for a club to come calling, similar to what Ken Hinkley enjoyed with Port Adelaide after years trying to get a senior gig.
"I think Ken was at the point where he didn't want to go for another one and got talked into the Port job," Dew said.
"I'm pretty sure he's happy with his decision now."
For now, Dew is content with his position at a Swans side that is right in the thick of the premiership hunt.
"I'm getting paid to kick 60 metre barrels at training. I can't complain," Dew joked.
"No, I've learned a lot and love still being involved.It's the next best thing to playing."
Twitter: @AFL_JD
