"MJ [centurion and former captain Michael Johnson] was the best out of both the amateur and professional eras. He prepared the most completely and was the complete package ... I'm not surprised he's doing so well in triathlons these days. Mark Abbott, Michael Allardice and Tom Stanley wouldn't be too far behind MJ," Dearns, 51, said referring to three of last year's squad.
"It was a tough decision to leave the team but when you get to my age opportunities like this don't come very often."
He ranked the second shield tenure which ended last year as the highlight of his time with the Magpies.
"To be an involved fan and to help hold it for a long while ... it might not get better than that."
One of the keys to Dearns' success has been his ability to grasp new technology.
"My sole job is to help make better footy players and to do that you need the right tools. Sometimes you are limited by budget and some of the technology is still untested. Most teams have GPS tracking devices now with the aim of making better teams indoors and outdoors. When you get such devices the data has to be able to be used and the players and coaches need to understand it," Dearns explained.
Always one to sidestep kudos, Dearns said he heard fans praising the fitness levels of the Magpies when they were often the stronger team during the final 20 minutes last season.
"Winning or losing because of conditioning seldom happens ... maybe once or twice during a season. Coaches sub for tactical reasons first before fatigue-related ones too."
Dearns was full of praise for the support he received from the union's CEO Mike Bishop, chairman Brendan Mahony and the board.
"I'm very grateful for the time I've had ... some of the best years of my rugby career. I couldn't have asked for a better situation right from the time I first arrived when Richard [Hunt] was chairman. Richard has always been an influence," Dearns said.
"Whilst we are very sad to see him go, we are delighted for him that he has secured an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese rugby and we wish him and his family all the best for their future endeavours," Bishop said yesterday.
"Grant has been a fantastic servant of Hawke's Bay rugby during his 12 years with us. He is thoroughly professional and is universally respected by all the players that have come under his charge over that period and by all the other provincial union coaches and players.
"It was through his efforts that we were able to set a standard of fitness for the Magpies squads over the years that have ensured they are amongst the fittest and best conditioned team throughout the Provincial Unions and the Super Rugby franchises. This has of course then translated into success on the field of play throughout the years," Bishop said.
He had every right to praise Dearns' attention to detail and the manner in which he genuinely cares about the players he has worked with throughout his years with the union.
"Grant has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside," Bishop said.
"As a person he is of the highest calibre and has been an integral part of the many successes we have all enjoyed with Hawke's Bay Rugby throughout his time with us.
"He is a popular member of our team and has a deep passion for the Hawke's Bay region and the Magpies in particular."
The recruitment process to find a new Magpies strength and conditioning coach is under way.
