Sydney Swans might be forced to train in Blacktown if surface at ‘home’ SCG isn’t up to standard

The SCG turf was left in tatters at the weekend following a Super Rugby match. The Sydney Swans are keen to mark their territory amid concerns they may be forced to transfer training to Blacktown if the surface doesn’t improve.

Lance Franklin and the Sydney Swans love the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Sydney Swans have moved quickly to mark their territory in the SCG turf war, subtly reinforcing their standing as the ground’s No.1 tenant.

The carnage created by the Super Rugby game last weekend has raised alarm bells for the Swans who have already been forced to put Blacktown’s International Sports Park on standby as a back-up training venue.

Sydney has reluctantly had to accept that the planned demolition of Allianz Stadium means they must share the surface with rugby, soccer and the NRL this season.

But the red and white army have issued a gentle reminder that it’s the Waratahs and Roosters who are sleeping on the couch and that — first and foremost — the SCG is their home ground.

The Swans are ‘first-rights’ tenants at the SCG and are contractually allowed three training sessions a week on the ground — a condition they expect to be honoured at least until a new practice facility is opened up across the road at Moore Park in May.

The Swans have long called the SCG home. Picture. Phil Hillyard

During the pre-season, club officials were forced to sweep the Bat and Ball Oval at Moore Park for syringes before training could commence. They’ve also competed with local dog walkers in Marrickville for sessions at Henson Park.

With two more Waratahs games and a stack of NRL to be packed in over the coming weeks, the Swans are determined to ensure they remain the SCG’s top priority.

“The SCG is our home ground and our key training venue until the redevelopment of Lakeside Oval is complete,” said Swans chief executive Tom Harley.

“The reality is we will be sharing that surface with a number of other codes while Allianz is rebuilt, and the increased traffic is clearly going to present challenges.

“It’s our expectation the SCG will remain a high quality surface, so we will continue working with the SCG Trust on ways to mitigate the impact.”

Swans boss Tom Harley. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Swans have a training session at the SCG booked in for Saturday — less than 12 hours after the 3000 square metres of relayed turf will be put to the test in the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL blockbuster.

As per the terms of their contract, the Swans then expect the ground to remain available to them three times a week for training before happily moving across the road in May.

But it’s understood the Swans are privately bracing for the prospect they could be forced 42km west to Blacktown for training — if the SCG struggles to hold up to the load.

It’s a continuation of the facilities crisis AFL in Sydney — and primarily the Swans — have been dealing with for years.

The unprecedented traffic on the SCG has exposed how stranded the Swans are if their home ground isn’t available.