Calls for safety upgrade on LED signage at four AFL grounds after fourth injury
THE AFL Players’ Association wants the safety covering on the LED signage upgraded at four stadiums, preferably before the start of next season after North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell was hurt by a fence for the second time.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE AFL Players’ Association wants the safety covering on the LED signage upgraded at four stadiums, preferably before the start of next season.
The players’ union wants rubber protection installed over the top of the globes at GMHBA Stadium, the Gabba, Metricon Stadium and Blundstone Arena before Round 1 next year.
LACERATIONS: CATS HURT ON OPTUS STADIUM FENCE
GENTLEMAN: BRERETON SLAMS DEMONS’ CULTURE
DANGER: AFL TO ASSESS ETIHAD SIGNAGE SAFETY
RISING STAR: YOUNG TIGER GETS ROUND 18 NOD
The boundary line has been brought in by half a metre at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, but that is considered a temporary safeguard for the remainder of the 2018 season only.
The MCG and Etihad Stadium have been given the all-clear after recent safety inspections.
The Herald Sun today confirmed there were still some concerns about the level of protection for players at four AFL venues after a fourth fence-related injury on Saturday.
North Melbourne skipper Jack Ziebell was left with a bloody knee after crashing into the MCG fence in the heavy loss to Collingwood on Saturday.
But the contact with the fence did not create a new wound.
On Saturday, Ziebell ripped the scab off the wound he sustained when he collided with the fence at the Cattery in the Round 12 loss to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
A representative from the Players’ Association spoke with Ziebell yesterday to confirm the circumstances of Saturday’s incident.
Geelong players Zach Tuohy and Mark Blicavs both badly cut themselves on the electronic signage at Optus Stadium in Round 3.
But the problem was immediately rectified with the installation of a new guard over the top of the LED globes in the west.
West Coast confirmed yesterday it did not pay for the LED safety upgrade.
COMPLETE THE SURVEY BELOW AND YOU COULD WIN AFL GRAND FINAL TICKETS
PA legal adviser James Gallagher said action had to be taken to provide a safe environment for the game’s stars after Ziebell’s first collision with the fence last month.
“This is clearly an unacceptable outcome, particularly given the incidents at Optus Stadium from earlier in the season,” Gallagher said.
“We’ve spoken to the AFL and urged it to conduct a review of all LED fencing at AFL venues as a matter of priority.
“A safe working environment for all players is an absolute non-negotiable for our members and we trust the AFL and venues will take the necessary measures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >
Originally published as Calls for safety upgrade on LED signage at four AFL grounds after fourth injury