His shrewd play negated the influence of the brilliant Geelong rovers when they rested in the forward pocket. Richmond's first premiership since 1943 was celebrated with great gusto in the inner-Melbourne suburb; the triumph was close to home for Dean, one of the few players in the team who had grown up in the streets of Richmond. He completed his best ever season with a second placing in the club's best and fairest award.
His astute move counteracted the impact of the outstanding Geelong rovers when they rested in the forward pocket. Richmond's first championship since 1943 was enthusiastically celebrated in the inner-Melbourne neighborhood; the victory was near home for Dean, one of the few players on the team who had grown up in Richmond. He concluded his best season with a second place in the club's most valuable player award.