‘Mega repair job’ needed for MCG after Swift-mania: See the photos

A swift fix of the MCG’s hallowed turf is hoped for ahead of the return of footy — after the weekend’s record breaking Taylor Swift concerts left two-thirds of the field damaged.

The dream is over for the Swifities and now new photos reveal the looming “mega repair job” at the MCG to get the ground ready for the first game of the season.

Aerial shots taken on Wednesday showed that at least two thirds of the field has been left damaged after 288,000 Taylor Swift fans danced the night away during her record breaking three-day Melbourne tour.

Despite the extent of repair needed, MCC boss Stuart Fox says has “full confidence” the ground’s turf will be in ideal shape for round 1 clashes.

Fox told the Herald Sun on Monday that with 24 days until the MCG clash in round 1 between Carlton and Richmond the ground crew would quickly get to work.

MCG turf is being replaced after the Taylor Swift concerts. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“With just under four weeks until the first AFL game of season 2024, our turf team have been preparing for the arena’s renovation for the last 18 months,” Fox said.

“The team has a proven track record in managing significant and successful turf renovations which was evident after last year’s two Ed Sheeran concerts where we faced tighter deadlines to be ready for the AFL season.

“Although we need to replace two-thirds of the turf, the absence of events scheduled after the three Taylor Swift concerts provides us with a more generous window for turnaround time.

The repairs have started as

Taylor Swift’s private jet has taken off on a surprise flight, three days away from her next concert date, with fans guessing it might be on its way to pick up boyfriend Travis Kelce.

The flight plan indicates the plane is on its way to Honolulu where it is due to arrive about 9.20pm (local time) on Tuesday.

Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The mystery remains as to why the jet is returning to the Hawaiian island ahead of Swift’s next concert in Sydney on Friday.

It is not known who is on board the jet or who it could potentially be picking up in Honolulu.

Swift’s boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, hinted at visiting the superstar Down Under in his podcast “New Heights”, saying he would “venture to an island real soon”.

He also said he would not be appearing on next week’s episode alongside his brother Jason Kelce, leading fans to speculate that he would be in Australia and unable to record the show.

Speaking live with Today on Tuesday morning, Travis’ dad Ed Kelce said he heard the rumours his son was going to travel south to visit Swift on her Australian tour.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he does,” he told the morning show hosts.

“I actually called him a little while ago and my understanding is he’s on a golf course someplace right now.