It would be inaccurate to say that the open roof is what caused the debacle of a game between Brisbane and Melbourne last Sunday, but it can certainly take some of the blame.
It is time to close the roof at Etihad Stadium during day games.
The players hate the roof being open and regularly struggle to see the football when they are facing the sun – just ask James Frawley.
Justin Leppitsch and Paul Roos both oppose the roof being opened and journalists are too afraid to ask Brad Scott on his opinion these days.
Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd is another advocate for closing the roof, saying as much on Monday night’s Footy Classified.
So we know that the coaches and players hate it, but what about the umpires? You bet. It is a hard enough job as it is to umpire a game of AFL without having to contend with the sun and shadows.
It is a terrible spectacle to watch on television, and Channel Seven’s Melbourne managing director Lewis Martin has voiced his concerns, saying, “You only have to watch your TV screen to know the preferred option and that’s clearly to close the roof.”
With Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, there have been occasions of rain at Etihad, which is ludicrous when you consider why the stadium was built in the first place.
It just does not make sense to have these issues at what is supposed to be an indoor stadium.
As Paul Roos said, “It’s bizarre, I don’t understand why it is open because it’s an indoor stadium.”
So what is the big issue? Just close the roof.
Follow Jackson on Twitter – @jclark182
slane
Guest
I think you'll find that Etihad stadium is oriented in a way that makes the sun much worse. All the other stadiums are oriented North/South. Etihad is oriented East/West. They didn't care which way it faced because they were putting a roof on it.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Agreed Gene. Seriously. Just ridiculous. Only time it should be closed is during cricket - where they cannot play in the wet (and only if rain in forecast) and if hail is forecast meaning a game could not be played otherwise.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
So...when did Aussie Rules become an indoor sport? Did I miss something? Stadium should be designed to cover the spectators and only the spectators. Anyone also think of the rest of the clubs who, I don't know, play in the hot/cold and freezing/steaming conditions week in, week out? Equalisation says - leave the roof open. Those umpires have to deal with the sun in every other stadium. Players have to deal with the sun in every other stadium. Those umpires have to deal with the rain in every other stadium. Players have to deal with the rain in every other stadium.
Knoxy
Guest
In my opinion, Etihad is a poorly designed stadium that hasn't aged well over the years. Much prefer watching football at the G.
Karl
Guest
Roofs closed no ones happy cause its sunny and lovely outside. Roofs open everyone is bitching cause its to sunny and there is shadows. The fact is be it AFL or A-League. They are both outdoor sports. The roof is an added bonus if its raining. If its lovely and sunny outside leave it open. Or just do what the A-League does. Comes down to home team. in Victorys past Merrick always had it closed. Ange Open.
Avatar
Roar Guru
You also forgot to mention the fact that it once rained late in an early-season match between North Melbourne and Geelong last year - something that had Brad Scott fuming. Another case to close the roof.
Cat
Roar Guru
Rip the bloody roof off and get rid of it permanently, aussie rules is an outdoor sport, we manage just fine without a dome on EVERY OTHER STADIUM IN AUSTRALIA. Was a giant waste of money to ever have a dome.
Olivia Watts
Roar Guru
Close it, weld it shut, lay artificial turf and make the ground a showpiece rather than a piecemeal slide show. As things stand the roof is a pain - too sunny on bright days, too wet on rainy days, too dewy at nights. The sky will still be there when we go back outside so let's have a closed roof, a comfortable viewing experience and a surface which gives the best possible display of our great game.