Sydney coach Dean Cox has conceded the SCG has faced "some challenges" this season in getting the surface of the turf up to scratch.

The venue has faced issues and concerns with the quality of the surface this year, with an Andre Bocelli concert at the SCG in April seen as the source of the field's issues.

Friday's contest between the Swans and Bulldogs was the fifth game at the ground since the concert, with other games in that frame also impacted by the differing surfaces from one end of the ground to the other.

 Friday, June 27 
Bulldogs WON BY 9 POINTS
SCG
SYD   
96
FT
105
   WB

This week's concern came with the surface at the northern end of the ground, with both Sydney and Western Bulldogs players often slipping over in that third of the field.

Questioned on the surface, Cox said there had been "challenges" for the SCG, but admitted his focus lies elsewhere.

"There's been some challenges with the surface throughout the year," Cox said.

"But I'm looking at other things, that's where I sort of spend my time. Things I can try and control."

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Ed Richards of the Bulldogs kicks the ball during the round 16 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 27, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Ed Richards of the Bulldogs kicks the ball during the round 16 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 27, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The quality of the ground was approved ahead of the game, giving the green light for the match to commence after the assessment.

Sydney have another match at the SCG next week, with a nine-day break allowing the venue's staff time to potentially improve the surface.

That game against Fremantle will be the first of the four remaining games at the ground this season.

The Swans fell to the Bulldogs in a fiery and close contest, losing by nine points to remain three wins outside of the top eight.

The win for the Bulldogs has them sitting in fifth for the time being, while they can't fall outside of the eight by the end of the weekend.