The AFL is considering shifting next Sunday’s Sydney-Fremantle clash away from the SCG, amid growing unease over the ground’s battered surface and a grim midweek weather forecast.
Veteran broadcaster Tim Gossage reported that alternative venues, including Accor Stadium and Giants Stadium in Homebush, are being seriously discussed.
With 160mm of rain forecast in the coming days, concerns have deepened over whether the SCG can safely host another match after last Friday night’s sodden spectacle.
MORE: The latest AFL injury news | Coleman Medal leaderboard
Turf troubles take centre stage
The Swans’ narrow loss to the Bulldogs was overshadowed by players repeatedly losing their footing at the Paddington End, with large chunks of turf tearing away underfoot.
The surface has struggled since an Andrea Bocelli concert in early April, but Friday’s match was labelled a new low by some of the game’s most respected voices.
“Are you allowed to play on this surface? This is as bad as I’ve seen in years,” Jonathan Brown said on Fox Footy. “This is disgraceful mismanagement by the ground, how they’ve allowed it to get to this. It’s a real shame.”
Channel 7’s Dale Thomas was equally scathing: “The grass in that turf area, it’s as bad as you see. Players trying to lead, both forward and defender, all going to ground. Chunks coming out of it everywhere. It’s horrible up that end.”
Swans assistant Dean Cox kept things diplomatic post-match, acknowledging “some challenges with the surface throughout the year” but insisting he was focusing on factors within his control.