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Dodgy turf to deny Dockers at Docklands

By Mr Dandalooa

The dodgy turf at Docklands stadium could further hinder the Dockers’ finals campaign.

As Australian Rugby Union officials meet the curator of the stadium this week to get answers on the state of the playing surface, there are real concerns about the true impact it is having on players.

Fremantle play there next week after Saturday night’s Test against the All Blacks.

Although Docklands management have said they have instigated a plan to improve the pitch the state of the grass has been an ongoing issue this season.

The AFL officially conveyed its safety concerns to the ground’s management after the severity of the slippery turf became apparent last Friday when several players slipped or fell over during St Kilda’s draw with Hawthorn.

FootyGoss has learned that the AFL on Monday met with Docklands Stadium management where it was agreed an action plan would be initiated.

It is understood measures include top-dressing the ground on a weekly basis to provide extra traction, and to make a recommendation on what type of boots should be worn by the players.

The AFL, which was forced to express its concerns to the venue after being approached by the AFL Players Association, reckons there has been no evidence to suggest the ground was not safe for matches.

The AFL Players Association claimed there could be legal ramifications if the AFL remained a toothless tiger and the ground was not improved.

News reports quoted chief executive Matt Finnis saying players could consider legal action if they are seriously hurt on the ground.

“I think that the stakes are high in AFL football and any player who is injured and might miss games, has got a right to look at the basis for that injury,” he said.

St Kilda vice-captain Lenny Hayes said it was definitely slippery and “I suppose as a player, you just want to know that if something can be done about it, that it is going to be done”.

“So if there’s any way that they can improve it over the next couple of weeks, you’d like to think that they’re doing everything they can to do that.”

Acting chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) Omar Hassanein says says he will discuss the issue with the players this week and that from a players’ point of view, the last thing wanted is a repeat of an incident at Wembley Stadium.

Despite the poor surface, Fremantle remains confident the surface did not increase the risk of skipper Matthew Pavlich aggravating his ankle problem.

Dockers football operations manager Chris Bond said the club has prepared for the poor pitch.

“We’ll inspect it and have a look at it, but from our point of view we’ll just make sure that the players get through it and perform as well as they can.”