The transformation of the MCG into an NFL field of dreams is almost complete, but one of the sport’s more “scary” sights will be missing from Friday’s historic clash.
Ahead of the sell-out game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, the home of AFL and cricket has the full NFL vibe, complete with all the on-field markings required for a rectangular field of almost 110 metres long and 49m wide, vertical posts and painted end zones and team logos.
The field is not perfectly central, for the 49ers and Rams wanted the AFL coaches’ boxes they will use to be at the midfield line. The completed field also features the familiar yard lines, numbers and hash marks, helping to deal with yardage measurements.
There is dead spacing between the outside line of the field and bottom tier of seating of the oval-shaped venue, NFL officials opting not to fill these areas with seats because of potential beverage and amenity issues.
NFL-mandated camera positions have been installed around the ground, while media have been shifted from the customary press box at centre-wing of the MCC members side to high in the stands.
Senior event architect Todd Barnes of Populous, the company employed by the NFL to get the MCG ready for the game, said the MCG was spectacular, but suggested it could have more LED lighting inside the venue.
“This is probably one of the best international stadiums that I’ve been in. But one of the things I’ve noticed in the NFL marketplaces is that the more LED [lighting] that you have, it just seems like it’s a really big deal,” he said.
Barnes also believes the ground’s two high-definition LED scoreboards, which are 25.24 metres wide and 13.1 metres high, should be larger.
“It just seems like it’s the way of the world, is just like getting the fans more integrated with more video type of stuff,” he said.
As ground works continue, including extended security areas outside the venue, the 49ers and Rams continue their pre-game preparations.
The 49ers were bracing for the Rams to unleash defensive duo Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald for the first time at the MCG on Friday, with Donald, a 185-centimetre, 127-kilogram, three-time defensive player of the year, beast, emerging from retirement on August 30 after two years out.
But the Rams coach Sean McVay revealed on Wednesday that Donald, a defensive end, was not ready to play.
“He’s doing a great job. I think he’ll be ready to go sooner rather than later, but we’re making a decision that we think is best for him and for our team,” McVay said in Los Angeles, hours before his team boarded a chartered flight for Melbourne.
“He’s attacked this the right way, but it would have been a really quick turnaround.”
Defensive end Garrett has also been under a fitness cloud, in his case swelling in a knee, but McVay insisted he will be “ready to go” at the MCG.
“He’s looked great. We’ve been smart with Myles … but his impact has been tremendous,” McVay said.
Ahead of training at AAMI Park on Wednesday, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan delivered a priceless response when asked about Donald’s absence.
“Very excited. I told you guys last time I talked to you guys, he was definitely playing. So I’ve never been more excited to be wrong about something,” said Shanahan, who has won 11 of 18 games against McVay-led sides.
Donald’s absence means those attending on Friday won’t have the chance to watch Donald and Garrett targeting 49ers quarter-back Brock Purdy through their ruthless “sacking” – tackling a player to the ground with force. NFL great Jeff Saturday, now an ESPN analyst, dubbed that prospect one of the sport’s most “scary” sights.
The 49ers have had injury issues of their own to address, for Shanahan said defensive tackle Alfred Collins had torn his patellar tendon in practice on Tuesday, and would miss the entire season.
The Rams will not arrive in Melbourne until Thursday, when they will have their only practice, at Marvel Stadium, late in the afternoon. There has been much debate about the contrasting travel plans of each side. But Shanahan said these would be no excuse for any poor on-field play.
“I’m sure it will be a good case study for anybody in the future to sit there and overthink which one helped and not. But the real thing that’s going to help this game … is who plays better football, and whoever doesn’t,” Shanahan said.
Prominent ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith warned on Wednesday that “if the Los Angeles Rams get rolling, very few teams, if anybody, is going to be able to stop ’em”.
Led by veteran quarter-back Matthew Stafford, the Rams boast elite playmakers, including pass catchers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Fans continue to pour into Melbourne, the 49ers faithful “painting the town red” in their iconic colours. Bump into any on the streets, and they are quick to regale their storied history involving greats Joe Montana, Steve Young and Jerry Rice. The 49ers appear to have left a greater imprint on Melbourne since arriving here last Friday.
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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