GEELONG coach Chris Scott has added to the chorus of calls for the League to abandon its policy of keeping Etihad Stadium's roof open.
The AFL used the final two games of the NAB Challenge at the venue to trial an initiative where it would partially open the roof to let in some sunlight for day games.
The experiment was in place for Sunday’s clash between the Cats and Carlton, starting at 4.10pm AEDT. Negative feedback on the trial followed Saturday’s Richmond-North Melbourne at the venue, which began at 1.10pm.
One section of the ground, on the outer side of Etihad Stadium, was bathed in sunshine for much of the first half of the Cats-Blues contest, making it difficult for fans to see the action.
Scott's twin brother Brad is an often outspoken advocate for shutting the roof at all times and this time it was Chris' turn to let his feelings be known about the AFL's policy.
"I have a view. I think the roof should be closed, but I'm not going to go to war over it," Scott said after the match on Sunday night.
"I thought it looked silly in the first half. The vision that we had in the (coaches) box was very hard to watch and I imagine it was the same for the viewers at home."
The AFL says it has surveyed a cross-section of supporters who believe it best to leave the roof open for day matches at Etihad Stadium.
However, based on the negative feedback from coaches and players – with North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein putting it on the agenda earlier on Sunday – the AFL will have to weigh-up whether to close the roof for good.
"I must mix in different circles to the fans that they surveyed because I can't find one person who says it's a good idea to have it open," Scott said.
"I felt sorry for the spectators late, because they seemed to be the only ones copping it in the second half. There was just a slither of light punishing their eyes."
"Fresh air and the sunshine's good in theory, but I've been fortunate to travel around the world and watch sport in some pretty impressive stadiums.
"This is absolutely a world-class stadium, close to the best I've seen, except when we open the roof and the players and the spectators and the broadcasters have issues."
The AFL is set to review the trial after speaking to supporters and clubs early this week.
