Tim Paine, the former Australian cricket captain and avid supporter from Tasmania, has fiercely rebutted critics who blame the weather for the dismal performance of an AFL match played last Friday night in Launceston. In a game between Hawthorn and Adelaide, neither team managed to surpass 50 points due to cold, damp conditions.
AFL great Leigh Matthews labelled the match as a “deplorable spectacle,” suggesting that it highlighted the urgent need for a roof on the proposed new stadium in Tasmania. He remarked on a lack of excitement in the game despite the close scoreline, indicating that poor visibility and heavy dew made for challenging playing conditions that harked back to especially unpleasant midweek games at Waverley Park.
James Hird went further, speculating that the AFL may have intentionally scheduled a night match in June to emphasise the necessity for the new stadium. Paine, a supporter of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium—which the AFL considers crucial for the success of the Tasmanian team—struggles to comprehend the criticism directed at weather in light of the fact that AFL is played outdoors during winter.
Speaking on SEN, Paine expressed astonishment at how some commentators focused solely on the weather, stating, “I cannot believe there was dew on the ground during a Friday night AFL game. It’s groundbreaking. I’ve never seen it before.” He implored against the notion of needing a roof solely due to dew, asserting that such conditions can be expected in any night sport, particularly in a country with varied climates.
Paine argued that the construction of the stadium is imperative for multiple reasons unrelated to weather conditions, stating it should be considered state-of-the-art rather than an unnecessary response to occasional dew. He cited personal experiences from various other locations where he had participated in matches under lights, highlighting that dew is a common occurrence that should not dictate whether sports are played.
While three more AFL matches are set to occur in Tasmania this season, it’s worth noting that none will take place at night. The conversation surrounding the new stadium and its specifications continues, as many view it as crucial for the future of football in the state. Paine’s passionate defence of outdoor play underscores a broader conversation regarding the natural elements involved in sports and the adaptations that teams and facilities must make to accommodate them.