Terlich was previously recruited by the Sydney Swans in the 2008 rookie draft from the Murray Bushrangers. Terlich was recruited from the Osborne Cats (country NSW Hume League club) prior to playing with the representative team the Murray Bushrangers.[2] He was delisted at the end of the 2008 season without playing an AFL game.[3]
He was delisted at the conclusion of the 2016 season.[5]
In 2018 Dean signed as playing/coach of the Tanunda Magpies in the Barossa light and Gawler association. On 28 September 2020, it was announced that Terlich had signed on as senior playing coach of the Uraidla Districts Football Club A Grade side in the Hills Football League.