MCG surface in the gun as Scott questions concert decision

GEELONG coach Chris Scott says there was an “issue” with the MCG surface that potentially contributed to two injuries to key Cats on Friday night.

Scott’s reigning premiers lost their opening clash of 2023 as Collingwood put on a fourth-quarter blitz to run out convincing 22-point winners.

Geelong lost Tom Stewart in the first quarter while Sam De Koning also limped off before half-time. While the latter returned to the field, the defensive duo both twisted their knees in innocuous, non-contact injuries.

The MCC had promised there would be no issues with the surface despite replacing 10,000 square metres of turf in the last fortnight after two Ed Sheeran concerts in early March.

But Scott suggested otherwise in his post-match press conference.

“I think it’s an interesting discussion for others to have. It’s distasteful when the coach of the losing team talks about the surface, but it’s worthy of discussion,” he said.

“Some bits that are really firm and you can keep your feet, and other bits that are really soft and you can’t keep your feet.

“I guess the point that is raised, it’s not a criticism, it’s not my area, but it’s been a long time since the grand final. It’s the biggest game in the land and it’s the best ground in the world in my view.

“So to compromise the surface is a strange decision to make voluntarily. If stuff happens and the weather is beyond your control, fair enough.

“But it was an own goal, I reckon.”

As Scott notes, the contrast between the turf that has been replaced on the ‘G and the previous surface is clear.

Scott couldn’t put a timeframe on Stewart’s injury but suggested the four-time All-Australian was highly unlikely to play in round two against Carlton.

Collingwood also suffered a number of injury blows, headlined by Jeremy Howe requiring a stretcher off the field after a sickening collision with Tyson Stengle.

It’s understood Howe has a fractured forearm.

MCC spokesperson Stuart Fox told SEN’s Sportsday prior to the season opener that fans would see a “very normal MCG”.

“I’ve been fascinated with the commentary on it. We didn’t have any doubts but everyone else did,” he said.

“I’ve seen media commentators walk into the stadium this week and they’ve been shocked because there is no sight of their being any damage or there being a concert here.

“I think the public, when they come in tonight and turn their TVs on they’ll be shocked, it looks like a very normal MCG tonight.”

– BY SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN