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Brodie Grundy has played down concerns about the slippery surface at the SCG, suggesting that Swans players are more used to it than their rivals and expressing confidence it will be in good shape for Sunday’s clash with Fremantle.
The AFL’s turf experts are overseeing this week’s remediation efforts, focused on the Paddington End of the SCG, which has struggled to recover from the damage left by the stage for an Andrea Bocelli concert on April 3.
The surface became a national talking point after Friday night’s match between Sydney and the Western Bulldogs, in which players continually lost their footing, prompting the extra scrutiny from the AFL and a broadside from Swans chairman Andrew Pridham, who said it was in an “unacceptable” condition.
Players or officials from four different clubs have now expressed their concerns: the Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle, whose coach Justin Longmuir was at the Swans-Bulldogs game and later said the SCG appeared to be “unsafe” for players.
Giants captain Toby Greene, meanwhile, said on the Ausmerican Aces podcast that he wore metal studs for the first half of the round eight Sydney derby at the SCG after noting the “shocking” state of the turf at training the day before. Metal studs are prohibited by the AFL, with players who wear them at risk of a $40,000 fine.
Wild weather in Sydney this week has raised speculation the SCG could deteriorate even further this week, but Grundy said the topic was not front of mind for him.
Brodie Grundy kicks a goal against the Bulldogs on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images
“Look, it wasn’t ideal,” Grundy said on Wednesday about the state of the SCG last week.
“But as a player, I’m not really thinking about that; I’m just thinking about the contest at hand. Probably looking back, there were little moments where people were slipping over and what not, but that’s going to happen when it’s dewey and Friday night footy. I thought the contest generally for the game was a real spectacle that I thought fans got to enjoy, and as a player, I certainly enjoyed playing in that game.
“What I’m focusing on is my individual process and the process of the team. I’m not across, nor should I be, the commentary of those in the media talking about the conditions of the ground. I’m really focused on playing great footy and trying to help the Swans.”
The Swans have moved their main training session this week from the SCG to the nearby Tramway Oval, as requested by Venues NSW and the SCG Trust, to give the surface the best chance to recover. Head curator Adam Lewis said on Monday that there was “no chance” the Dockers match would be moved, and the early indications are that the AFL is happy with the turf rehab plans.
Lewis also said that Venues NSW had not received any critical feedback from Swans players, who typically train on the SCG at least once a week.
“We play on it ... well, not every week, but train on it pretty much most weeks, and we have been for the last six to eight weeks,” Grundy said.
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“It’s our home, so we’re pretty used to it. Was it ideal on Friday night? No. But like I said, I’m looking forward to playing there this week. Hopefully [moving training] gives the ground an opportunity to freshen up. I know we’re looking forward to a really solid contest against the Dockers this week.
“As a player, I’ve got full faith in the club and the SCG Trust, the AFL – I think they’re working really collaboratively at the moment and throughout this week to make sure it’s cherry ripe.”
In future, it is unlikely Venues NSW will seek to book major events or concerts at the SCG so close to the start of an AFL season, a source says.
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