Turf worries for Marvel Stadium and SCG
Marvel Stadium’s turf has come under heavy scrutiny following the opening round of the 2019 AFL season, it comes as the SCG faces similar issues due to an increased workload.
A 20-30 metre sections of turf on the western side of the ground is being replaced this week after the ground chopped up badly during the first two games held at the venue over the weekend.
Western Bulldogs player Matt Suckling injured his ankle as turf shifted beneath him on Saturday night, while St Kilda and Gold Coast had to contend with large divots during their clash on Sunday.
Suckling suffered an ankle injury in his side's win over Sydney on Saturday night, saying "the ground gave way" underneath him as he kicked.
The surface at Marvel Stadium has been torn to shreds - in more ways than one.
— 7Sport (@7Sport) March 24, 2019
MORE: https://t.co/BAt3hJgBmx pic.twitter.com/iEdhQQogLh
The AFL Players Association will inspect the ground ahead of round 2 when the stadium will host another two matches.
The Sydney Cricket Ground was in the media recently for similar issues, after scrums during the first NSW Waratahs game at the venue caused the turf the shift, prompting the referee to pause the game while ground staff came on to fix the issue.
The events schedule at the SCG has substantially increased due to the redevelopment of the neighbouring Allianz Stadium, with the NSW Waratahs, Sydney Roosters and Sydney FC all playing games at the ground.
The AFLPA will inspect that surface also ahead of Friday night’s opening AFL match of the season at the venue with the Sydney Swans hosting the Adelaide Crows.
The SCG has replaced 3000 square metres of turf to prevent another dangerous embarrassment but RugbyPlayersAus president and Waratahs hooker Damien Fitzpatrick says questions will still be asked ahead of their next home match.
— RUGBY ARTICLES (@rugbyarticles) March 10, 2019
ChristypDoran reports.
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The playing surface issues aren’t exclusive to the AFL, with Brookvale Oval (or Lottoland as its officially known) copping it from all angles after new Sydney Roosters recruit Brett Morris picked up an MCL injury while playing on the surface in their round 2 clash on Saturday.
Statistics have revealed the home of the Manly Sea Eagles is responsible for 10% of all games missed by NRL players due to injuries picked up at the northern beaches venue. Players missed an average of 4.9 games for every injury suffered at Brookvale last season.
Meanwhile, the Northern Beaches Council has set aside $1.2 million in funding for the next financial year in an effort to improve drainage and install new irrigation at the ground.
