'Shut the bloody thing': Hardwick, Scott unhappy about roofNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
March 21, 2015 6:15 PMCOACHES Damien Hardwick and Brad Scott have renewed calls to shut the roof at Etihad Stadium after an experiment to keep it half open in Saturday's NAB Challenge clash between Richmond and North Melbourne.
The trial, which will be repeated for Sunday's clash between Carlton and Geelong, saw the western roof panel moved into a different position so more of the field would stay in shade during play as the sun moved.
With roughly 50 per cent of the ground in sunlight for the first half of the match, Hardwick said he noticed midfielders struggling to handle the ball at centre bounces because of the contrast.
"I don't know, it's not that hard is it? Is it that hard, really? Here's an idea, shut the bloody thing. Geez," Hardwick said.
While the shaded area of the ground slowly expanded in the second half, Hardwick was emphatic that players would prefer to compete under a closed roof.
"If you're in the middle of the ground
it's right in their eyes," he said.
"If you watch the first centre bounce, I reckon there's guys doing this one (missing the football with both hands) trying to catch the ball. It's not rocket science.
"It's OK if the games are a little bit later with the shade contrast to keep it off the people. But the players are pretty important."
A fan survey last year saw 60 per cent of supporters wanted the roof open when the weather was fine.
The AFL's roof policy will remain the same this year, which means it will be open for afternoon games if the weather forecast permits.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-21/shut-the-bloody-thing