AFL Broadcaster Channel Seven Wants Etihad Stadium Roof Closed Permanently

Broadcaster Channel Seven weighed into the Etihad Stadium roof debate, sending a "clear message" to the venue and the Australian Football League: "close it permanently," according to Matt Murnane of THE AGE. Calls for the AFL to implement a blanket ‘‘closed roof policy’’ for all Etihad Stadium games "intensified following highly negative comments from both coaches in Sunday’s Melbourne-Brisbane game." Lions coach Justin Leppitsch and Melbourne coach Paul Roos both voiced "strong opinions after the game, saying they did not understand why the retractable roof remained open for some day games when the coaches, players and umpires all preferred it to be shut." Seven Managing Dir in Melbourne Lewis Martin "confirmed on Monday that the broadcaster felt the shadow the roof casts over the ground during day games also made it unpleasant for television viewers." Martin said, "You only have to watch your TV screen to know the preferred option. And that’s clearly to close the roof" (THE AGE, 8/4).