Overview

• Geelong defeated Sydney 16.15 (111) to 10.8 (68) at the SCG to lock in a top-four finish and bolster its home finals ambitions.
• Coach Chris Scott criticised the centre wicket for being “rock-hard” compared with softer outfield grass and likened it to conditions in Mumbai.
• The AFL, Venues NSW and the SCG curator carried out midseason remediation—including aeration, overseeding and grow lights—before declaring the ground fit.
• Mark O’Connor’s tagging job restricted Isaac Heeney to a season-low 15 disposals while Jeremy Cameron was held goalless for only the second time this year.
• Despite ongoing turf concerns, the match passed without major injuries or AFL interventions.