Plan sheds new light on turf

Hydroponic lighting could provide a long-term answer to the perennial turf problems under the roof at Telstra Dome. It is understood turf experts are examining the use of artificial lighting in a bid to find a long-term solution to the issue of grass growth in the predominantly indoor stadium.

To address the short-term issue of the slippery surface, Telstra Dome yesterday cored the turf to try to reduce moisture and aerate the ground. It is hoped this will improve the footing for players, although coring often shortens the lifespan of the turf, so sections of the turf - 80 per cent of which has only recently been relaid - will likely need to be replaced sooner. The recent problems of players slipping have largely been on the newly laid sections of the ground and not the older parts.

Telstra Dome spokeswoman Michelle Stamper confirmed the coring had taken place but said it was part of the regular maintenance program. She would not comment on the possible introduction of hydroponic lighting. "We are constantly reviewing our turf maintenance programs to ensure we deliver the best possible playing surface for AFL events," she said. "We have a turf working party which meets to discuss the short and long-term management of Telstra Dome turf."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said his players were concerned by the quality of the surface. "The players have got the concern. I think the stadium manager will listen to the players. I think there has been a lot of speculation over a long period of time, if the players feel strongly enough about it, well, it's their right because they are the ones - we help put on the show but they do put on the show and their safety is really critical," Thompson said. Geelong plays Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium this weekend but then plays its next three games at Telstra Dome - against the Western Bulldogs, Essendon and St Kilda.

Richmond captain Kane Johnson told radio station SEN on Tuesday night that if players continued to lose their footing at the ground, matches should not be played there. "At the end of the day if we're losing our footing that much, I don't think it's applicable to play there," Johnson said. Teammate Joel Bowden said yesterday all players simply wanted the stadium management to admit there was a problem with the surface. "The main issue is you need consistency in the surface, and with some sections being replaced and others not, you get inconsistency - some parts are slippery and others are not, which makes it difficult," Bowden said. "'I know from Wayne Campbell, who is sitting on the turf management committee, that they are trying to come up with a solution and it is not as if they are unaware of the problem, but no one really has a solution."

Michael Gleeson