Etihad Stadium Playing Surface Under Fire

The sight of players slipping and falling during last Fridayâs AFL match between St Kilda and Hawthorn at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium has led to renewed criticism of the venue's playing surface.

During the game one AFL commentator described the surface as an "ice-rink".

Speaking after the game of incidents when players from both teams slipped inexplicably, AFL Players Association Chief Executive Matt Finnis described the surface as the worst he had seen at the stadium and expressed fears that the surface could cause injuries to players.

Slippery and inconsistent surface conditions at Etihad Stadium have been a problem for all football codes since the venue's opening. However, the issue has gained greater prominence this week, with Finnis suggesting that games could be moved from the venue and that, if the hold and safety of the surface could not be quickly improved, the AFL ought to consider relocating matches to other stadiums in Victoria.

Finnis stated "notwithstanding injuries, it was a game played in conditions which are unacceptable for the style and standard of the game that is played in 2010.

"The majority of players have indicated that if we can't improve on the situation it's time the matter of the relocation of games be at least canvassed."

Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett has been quoted as suggesting that artificial turf would be better than the current "unsafe" field.

The AFL, AFLPA and Etihad Stadium management have met to discuss the re-emergence of problem's with the Stadiumâs playing surface. Subsequently, Etihad Stadium management have undertaken to air or 'hollow core' the surface more regularly and top dress the grass weekly rather than fortnightly.

Friday's game was played with the roof over the ground closed and rain or dew not a factor, while matches at the venue on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon were not blighted to the same extent.

North Melbourne, Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs all play home matches at the stadium, with the A-League's Melbourne Victory also a part-time co-tenant.

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) officials have this week been undertaking routine inspections the surface in advance of this weekendâs Bledisloe Cup clash between Australia and New Zealand at the stadium.

Patchwork repairs to the surface were conducted at Etihad Stadium before last year's Italy Test there, with the match going ahead without major concerns, although Wallabies centre Berrick Barnes has been quoted as saying "I've played there before and it has been the slipperiest ground I have ever played on.

"But you really don't know what you are going to encounter ⦠I played there against Italy last year and it was a beautiful dry track."

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