Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has called on the AFL and venue management to investigate changing the artificial surface at Etihad Stadium.
Geelong's Daniel Menzel suffered strained ligaments last weekend when he rolled his ankle on the synthetic surface that rings the edge of the grassed playing field at the venue.
The Cats forward, who has undergone four knee reconstructions, voiced his dismay at the role he felt the hard surface played in causing the injury.
Stadium management quickly pointed out that the surface is fully AFL-approved, but Menzel has an ally in the Bulldogs coach.
"I think it should be explored that, that changes," Beveridge said of the contentious surface.
"I think it's a necessary thing."
The Dogs play their home games at Etihad Stadium but recently travelled to Adelaide Oval where they defeated Port Adelaide.
"I did notice that Adelaide Oval's artificial grass is different," Beveridge said.
"It's more like your playing surface ... it's probably a bit kinder."
The AFL instructed stadium management to conduct tests on the patch of synthetic turf where Menzel suffered the injury and is awaiting the results before proceeding.
Menzel underwent scans on Tuesday and was cleared of major damage but is still in some doubt to take on the Bulldogs at the same venue on Saturday night.
Share
