An independent turf expert appointed by the AFL is among a group sent to inspect the SCG following Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir’s concerns about the condition of the playing surface.
There is a possibility that Sunday’s match between Sydney and Fremantle could be relocated due to players repeatedly slipping during the Western Bulldogs’ victory over the Swans on Friday night.
Issues with the SCG turf have persisted since Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s concert in April, with the Paddington end of the field drawing particular concern.
Heavy rainfall — up to 90mm expected in Sydney on Tuesday — is likely to worsen the already problematic turf conditions.
On Monday, the AFL confirmed that the independent turf consultant, league football department staff, and AFL Players Association representatives would inspect the surface this week. The group will support the ground curator in maintaining the field.
Longmuir, whose side missed the finals last year due to a string of late-season injuries, voiced concern over the safety of the ground after watching Friday night’s game.
“I watched the game on Friday night. We’ll follow the AFL’s direction, but once I start thinking, ‘this isn’t safe for players,’ I get concerned,” he said after Fremantle’s Sunday win over St Kilda. “And I did think that Friday night — particularly on the left-hand side — it looked unsafe.”
He referenced Bulldogs defender Bailey Williams, who appeared to get his foot stuck in the turf, as an example of the risks.
“We can’t send players out and jeopardize their safety if the surface isn’t right,” Longmuir said, adding that he will accept the AFL’s decision: “If the AFL deems it safe, we’ll play — and I won’t say another word about it.”
“The AFL is taking it seriously, which they should. They have the right experts, and we’ll follow their lead. But I definitely thought it was unsafe the other night.”
Despite the concerns, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge hopes the match stays at the SCG.
“Our players haven’t raised any complaints … it’s a level playing field, pardon the pun,” Beveridge said on AFL360. “Some players lost their footing early on — even Marcus (Bontempelli) slipped — but is it truly dangerous? I’m not sure.”
Fremantle (10-5) sit just outside third place on percentage after winning six straight games. However, their 11.15 (81) to 9.15 (69) triumph over St Kilda came with an unusual injury setback.
Veteran midfielder Nat Fyfe will miss up to four weeks after sustaining a moderate calf strain during half-time warm-ups. The 33-year-old felt tightness and did not play. Scans on Monday confirmed the injury, delaying his fourth game back from a previous hamstring issue.
