EXCLUSIVE: James Hird’s Stinging Critique of ‘Unsafe’ SCG Sparks Concerns Over Lack of ‘Plan B’

Essendon icon James Hird has made a dramatic assertion that the Sydney Swans might be forced to forfeit their round 17 fixture against Fremantle if the SCG pitch is found to be unplayable and no alternative arrangements have been made.

This week, worries have intensified following a round 16 match where players from both the Swans and Bulldogs faced significant difficulties with the playing surface. Notably, commentator Jonathan Brown described it as the worst turf he had seen in ages.

The underlying problems stem from an Andrea Bocelli concert held at the venue in April, compounded by persistent rain that has hindered recovery of the surface at the Paddington end.

Port Adelaide raised their concerns regarding the pitch following the match, with emails disclosed to Footy Classified on Monday night.

Nevertheless, they feel the AFL has not taken their worries seriously until now, as these issues have only recently captured public attention.

Hird has added his voice to those claiming the surface should be classified as unsafe and that Sydney needs to secure an alternative venue option.

“I believe the Swans have been understandably defensive about suggestions that the game could be relocated,” Hird remarked on Nine’s Eddie and Jimmy podcast. “However, based on the conditions we observed over the weekend, it was clearly not safe for the players.

“In my view, Plan B should involve playing the game at GWS’ (Engie Stadium). Yet, from what we’re hearing, there appears to be no contingency in place. It looked unsafe to me. It will be intriguing to see how they manage to make it fit for play by Saturday. Technically, if the game can’t be played on a safe ground, you risk forfeiting points, which is a genuine possibility.”

Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire finds it hard to believe the situation will escalate to forfeiture, expressing hope the league has contingency plans in place.

“Forfeiting would be the ultimate consequence, but when we have an uneven fixture, it’s essential to have alternate plans in place. I’d imagine playing at Engie Stadium would be a feasible Plan X, with Plan Z being to play in Perth,” McGuire commented.

He attributes the turf issues to both the rain in Sydney and the concert. “Typically, when the MCG hosts a concert, they invest up to $1 million in replacing the turf, utilising state-of-the-art equipment and dedicating ample time to rectify the surface,” he explained.

“During my time in Sydney, I was struck by how quickly Auskick was cancelled at the slightest drizzle in the eastern suburbs. The SCG seems to share similar drainage issues. While I know the SCG’s drainage is good, the areas can get quite boggy.”

“What I took away from my time in Sydney was this: traffic isn’t too bad, but the weather is consistently disappointing. It feels like it never stops raining, which has significantly contributed to the current state of the SCG turf.”

“The Andrea Bocelli concert was almost three months ago,” he added.

This week, New South Wales has been battered by severe weather, with heavy rain and strong winds sweeping the state. Unfortunately, this will likely impede efforts to restore the surface ahead of Sunday’s game at the SCG.

Engie Stadium in Western Sydney remains available, as the Giants will be playing the West Coast in Perth.

Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy, however, isn’t overly worried about the playing surface, even as the Swans have shifted their main training session from the SCG to Tramway Oval.

“We do train on it regularly – not every week, but quite often over the last six to eight weeks. It’s our home ground, so we’re accustomed to it. Was it perfect last Friday night? Not really. But I’m looking forward to playing there this week. I hope shifting training provides the ground some time to recover. We eagerly anticipate a competitive match against the Dockers this week,” Grundy stated.

“As a player, I trust the club and the SCG Trust, as well as the AFL – they’re working collaboratively this week to ensure everything is in top shape.”