West Australian ground Optus Stadium admits that it hasn't performed to the level of professional sport despite the AFL ticking it off.
The league inspected the stadium in May and categorised it into presentation, turf coverage, surface levels, surface hardness, traction, stability and irrigation.
With "Very good" being the highest marker, Optus Stadium ranked slightly under as "Good" in all categories, according to Channel 9's Paddy Sweeney.
The AFL said: "The surface at Optus Stadium is in good condition with the majority of the surface in very good condition.
"The sections of wear are still within the preferred range, however, there is some aesthetic appearance issues with mature ryegrass from last year persisting as the couch grass enters dormancy."
.@OptusStadium admits it hasnโt performed to the level it had hoped at this stage of the year, but continues to sit within AFL guidelines when tested for presentation, turf coverage, surface levels, surface hardness, traction, stability and irrigation.@9NewsPerth @FootyonNine pic.twitter.com/xj0718gLak
— Paddy Sweeney (@SweeneyPaddy9) June 24, 2024
Word from Optus Stadium acknowledged that "the turf is not performing at the level" it should given the challenge of transitioning between summer and winter.
At the end of May, the venue hosted a soccer match between AC Milan and AS Roma while a dozen other cricket matches featured across the 2023/24 summer.
Optus Stadium did make clear that the oval is still within the AFL guidelines but is adamant in improving the turf conditions as winter continues.
The stadium opened ahead of the 2018 AFL season.
