Voss scoffs at Gabba complaints - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Voss scoffs at Gabba complaints

By Laine Clark 20/04/2011 03:57:30 PM Comments (0)

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has scoffed at claims the Gabba surface has contributed to maligned Gold Coast Suns captain Gary Ablett's injury problems.

Ablett appears to be the latest to criticise the Brisbane venue where the Suns have played two AFL games to date, reportedly saying its hardness had been a factor in his fitness issues.

Ablett did not play a pre-season game largely due to a groin complaint and missed the Gold Coast's last round loss to Melbourne due to calf soreness.

The Suns play two more games at the Gabba this season - against the Lions on May 7 and August 13.

But Voss - a former long-serving Lions captain - took a subtle swipe at Ablett while defending the ground.

"I think I have been here 21 years, I have been here in some capacity for about 160 games," Voss said on Wednesday.

"I think if it is good enough for that period of time it is good enough for blokes who have been here for two minutes."

But Ablett is not the only critic.

In December, Suns recruit and former Lion Jared Brennan blamed the Gabba's controversial cricket pitch surface for a serious ankle injury he sustained last year.

Brennan said the Gabba should be using drop-in cricket pitches to ensure player safety.

The Gabba's hardness has been investigated in the past by the AFLPA after complaints from Collingwood, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs.

But Voss said on Wednesday: "We think it is a fantastic ground.

"We are more than content with what the ground looks like."

Ablett hopes to put a week to forget behind him when he runs out against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The Brownlow Medallist was accused of being in "party mode" by Hawthorn great Shane Crawford after opting to stay in Melbourne for a TV commitment rather than fly back to the Gold Coast and treat his calf complaint after their heavy loss to Western Bulldogs.

He missed the following game against Melbourne due to injury, copping more flak from the likes of ex-Sydney coach Paul Roos, former Geelong teammate Tom Harley and Melbourne legend Garry Lyon.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news