Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Etihad Stadium artificial turf blamed for injury to AFL star

Etihad Stadium artificial turf blamed for injury to AFL star
April 17, 2015

The artificial turf bordering the Etihad Stadium surface has been blamed for the season ending knee injury to Brisbane Lions AFL star Michael Close after on the boundary line between the playing surface and the artificial turf.

Close requires a full knee reconstruction after suffering an anterior cruciate injury after he appeared to slide towards the boundary line during the Lions game against North Melbourne on Sunday 12th April. Close’s heel appeared to catch on the artificial turf.

Because of heavy traffic which caused problems with the natural turf, Etihad Stadium laid extra artificial turf both behind the stadium goals and at the interchange gates.

Both the MCG and the Gabba have artificial turf, but at neither ground does it extend as wide as the Etihad extensions.

As a result of the injury, the Lions have been reported as demanding $100,000 in compensation from Etihad Stadium and the AFL for the injury, although no official correspondence has been received by the management of Etihad Stadium on the matter.

While reported as saying he would have “no option" but to remove the recently laid artificial turf, Etihad Stadium Chief Executive Paul Sergeant actually advised that if we were instructed by the AFL to remove the artificial turf that would happen.

In a subsequent interview with Melbourne newspaper The Age, Sergeant emphasised the quality of Etihad Stadium’s playing surface and surrounds, stating “it's not as though the artificial turf you put in there is out of some DIY centre - it's professional, artificial sports turf that's designed for a purpose."

Sergeant also commented on the intense scrutiny that the venue is under, from its playing surface, the opening of the roof and the financial arrangements for tenant clubs.

Having managed London’s Wembley Stadium and Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in his 34-year-long stadium management career, Sergeant says the media interest in AFL in Melbourne outstrips anything he experienced in other venues and codes, and often leaves him thinking, "gee, I'm surprised that got a run ..."

He added "you never know what's around the corner - the intense coverage around a small issue, and we've experienced a bit of that. 'Oh, there's a divot there', and it's on the front page of the paper."

Article amended 10.15am, 20th April 2015.

2nd April 2015 - ETIHAD STADIUM BACKS ‘YEAR OF THE FAN’ WITH VALUE IN F&B

25th March 2015 - GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY A WIN FOR FANS AT ETIHAD STADIUM

22nd March 2015 - ETIHAD STADIUM CHIEF RESPONDS TO NORTH MELBOURNE AFTER ‘WORLD’S WORST DEAL’ CLAIM

30th March 2014 - STUDY FINDS NO DIFFERENCE IN PLAYER INJURY RATES ON ARTIFICIAL TURF SURFACES 

28th July 2010 - ETIHAD STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE UNDER FIRE


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

The Pool Enclosure Company

Now TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 

AAC

Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…

read more

Access / Marketing / Safety / Ticketing

 
 

VITEC

Stadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…

read more

Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

Myzone

Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org  Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business