‘We’re a bit unsure’: Adelaide Oval surface set for Gather Round frenzy

One of the venues in use for AFL Gather Round will be hit by wet weather and six matches in a possible risk for player safety.

Adelaide Oval’s head curator says his team is a “bit unsure” how its surface will hold up amid heavy rain and six scheduled games this weekend.

The 53,500-capacity ground will shoulder the burden of Gather Round in Adelaide, hosting matches on Thursday and Friday night and two games on each of Saturday and Sunday while smaller venues take the other three matches.

It comes amid a worsening weather outlook for Adelaide this weekend, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting up to 20mm of rain could fall on Saturday due to early showers and a possible evening thunderstorm.

Adelaide Oval head curator Damian Hough says the surface is in excellent condition ahead of the opening match on Thursday night and should be able to withstand the significantly increased impact over the round.

Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough says he thinks the ground’s surface will hold up despite the added workload over Gather Round. Picture: Sarah Reed

“We’re looking forward to it; Gather Round is a nice round to have,” Hough told SEN SA Breakfast on Thursday.

“But you don’t need to be Einstein to realise it’s probably going to be in worse condition come Sunday night compared to tonight.

“Player safety is the factor that’s the biggest concern for us and we think it’ll hold in good stead.

“It’s a free-draining sand, the turf is in really good condition … it should take a fair bit (of rain), but a bit like everyone else, we’re a bit unsure how well it’s going to hold up.”

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said on Wednesday the weather forecast would cause a “little bit of concern” for player safety, but he hoped the condition of the ground would not become the main talking point as his native South Australia celebrates the round.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said on Wednesday the weather forecast would cause a ‘little bit of concern’ for player safety. Picture: Mark Stewart

“The weather forecast isn’t great, but hopefully it doesn’t detract from what the spectacle will be,” Goodwin said.

“We’re the third game, so I’m pretty sure the surface will be in pretty good shape.

“It is going to be a bit of a challenge; I think everyone will be wishing that we don’t get too much rain and the ground is able to hold up … six games is a lot of games on one ground.”

St Kilda will play Collingwood in the final game of the round and the sixth match on Adelaide Oval on Sunday evening, with coach Ross Lyon saying he was not fussed by the surface.

“I think that’s the groundsman’s job, isn’t it – I have enough problems without worrying about the ground,” Lyon said.

“I don’t go to that sort of level of detail; I just assume the AFL will get it right. So if you’re listening, get it right,” he joked.