Archive · 18 Aug 2025
AFL Coach Criticizes SCG Surface, Comparing it to Mumbai Pitch
Imagine a football field that's also used for cricket.
The coach of the Geelong Cats wasn't happy with how the field felt during a recent game.
He said the middle part felt really hard, like a cricket pitch in Mumbai, making it tough to play on.
Unlike other sports grounds, this field doesn't use special removable cricket pitches, which can cause issues.
This means the field can be hard and not ideal for football.
Some people want the field to change to make it better for football, but it hasn't happened yet.
Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott criticized the SCG surface after a recent AFL match.
Scott compared the pitch's hard center wicket area to a Mumbai cricket pitch.
The SCG, unlike other major venues, doesn't use drop-in pitches for easier transitions.
NSW skipper Moises Henriques expressed frustration over losing home-ground advantage.
Discussions about drop-in pitches at the SCG have stalled despite advocacy.
- Who
- Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott.
- What
- Geelong Cats coach criticized the SCG surface after an AFL match.
- When
- During and before a recent AFL match, August 17, 2025.
- Where
- Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
- Why
- The pitch's hard center wicket area wasn't suitable for AFL football.
Advocates for Drop-in Pitches
Current SCG Management
Pitch Quality
Advocates for Drop-in Pitches
Drop-in pitches would improve the SCG's playability for AFL.
Current SCG Management
Current conditions are acceptable.
- Sport
- AFL
- Venue
- Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- Team
- Geelong Cats
- Coach
- Chris Scott
- Surface Issue
- Hard center wicket area
- Comparison
- Mumbai cricket pitch