SCG head curator Adam Lewis has hit back at criticism following last weekend’s turf drama, describing the backlash as “over the top” and “ill-informed” as scrutiny over the venue’s surface continues ahead of Sunday’s Swans-Dockers clash.
After Jonathan Brown described the conditions as “shocking” during commentary of the Swans-Bulldogs match, and emails from Port Adelaide bosses to the AFL raised concerns, Lewis fronted the media to defend his team’s efforts in what he called a “rough week”.
“It’s been a very tough week for me and my staff. I think it’s been blown out of proportion,” Lewis said on Friday morning.
“My guys are humans – they don’t need to be bashed”
Lewis attributed the surface issues to a combination of unseasonal Sydney weather, a heavy dew on the night, and limited sunlight at the Paddington end due to the new Bradman and Noble stands. He said the problems followed an April concert by Andrea Bocelli, which forced a relaying of the turf.
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“The ill-informed information that’s been piled on, on social media, it’s unjust and it’s not good,” he said. “These guys have got to understand, my guys are humans and they don’t need to be bashed … (a lot) of experts out there that are throwing their two bob in.”
While the Swans shifted training to nearby Tramway Oval to ease pressure on the pitch, both teams are expected to train at the SCG on Saturday. Lewis says he’s confident the surface will hold up and that independent tests, along with AFL checks, have all returned positive results.
“We’re very confident that it will hold up,” he said. “We’ve passed with flying colours … we’re really looking forward to Sunday. It’s a day game, the weather’s looking great, so we’re really looking forward to a packed house and a great game.”