‘Shocking Display’ Highlights Tasmania’s ‘Elephant in the Room’ as AFL Commentators Clash Over Stadium Issues

Brisbane’s premiership-winning coach, Leigh Matthews, has sharply criticised the playing conditions in Launceston following Friday night’s encounter between Hawthorn and Adelaide.

Matthews described the match as a “deplorable spectacle,” given that neither team managed to score over 50 points amid the slippery and freezing Tasmanian weather.

This experience has reinforced his belief that the Tassie Devils will require a roofed stadium upon their entry into the league.

Matthews believes the match highlighted the significant issue regarding the conditions. 

“I found it to be a deplorable spectacle,” Matthews relayed to 3AW.

“Combined, they scored just 11 goals and managed half a dozen inside 50 marks—that’s how dire the conditions were.

“I enjoy the tension of close scores in footy, which we had last night, but the visual appeal was simply atrocious.

“The memories of midweek night games at Waverley Park still haunt me. The heavy dew creates abysmal playing conditions, making ball handling noticeably challenging, and we witnessed that last night.

“The outcome was really influenced by a few undisciplined free kicks and some 50-metre penalties.

“In low-scoring matches, those moments can become pivotal.” 

“The pressing issue, which I thought about during the match, is how frequent night footy in winter in Launceston or Hobart might end up like this. With the heavy dew, the debate about needing a covered stadium to mitigate the dew is very relevant and was certainly brought to light last night.”

AFL commentator and proud Tasmanian, Tim Lane, pushed back against Matthews’ criticisms.

“Leigh, you’ve been too influenced by those propagating for a roof,” Lane countered.

“Why don’t we complain about the conditions when it rains?

“Or when we have games in Darwin?”

However, Matthews stood firm on his critiques.

“It’s not the same (when it rains). Heavy dew leads to the worst playing conditions,” Matthews replied.

“Matches in Darwin are usually dreadful spectacles due to the humidity.

“I’m just expressing my opinions, Tim; you’re entitled to yours, albeit heavily biased.

“What I’m saying is that if these are regular conditions expected for the Tassie Devils… it simply suggests avoiding night games there in winter.”