Overview

• Scott said the hard centre wicket and softer surrounding turf were “not conducive to AFL football” after inspecting the surface before Sunday’s game.
• Geelong’s 43-point victory over Sydney secured their finals positioning while leaving Scott uneasy about the pitch despite no reported injuries.
• Emergency aeration, overseeding and grow-light treatments were carried out after consultants and players’ representatives raised safety concerns in late June.
• The SCG is one of the few AFL grounds that retains its winter turf wicket, a model coaches warn hinders recovery compared with drop-in wickets at other major venues.
• No further AFL matches are scheduled at the SCG this season, meaning any substantive maintenance or infrastructure changes will await the off-season.