Marvel Stadium has introduced a new roof policy following last year’s “sweatgate” incident involving Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has revealed that the venue — which is owned by the AFL — will now prioritise fan (and coach) comfort by opening the roof for twilight and night matches when weather conditions are clear.
“And right now, there is no man more relieved in the footy landscape than Luke Beveridge,” Cleary said on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters on Wednesday.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
“Marvel, they’ve changed the rule off the back of this man.”
Cleary then showed vision of Beveridge in the coaches’ box during his team’s Round 1 clash with North Melbourne in 2025.
“This is ‘sweatgate’ last year for Luke Beveridge at Marvel Stadium,” he said.
“They had the roof shut, it was a sauna there at Marvel Stadium.
“Now, for games at twilight or night matches at Marvel, they are opening the roof to prioritise fan comfort and even for the coaches. If it’s clear outside, the roof will be open for twilight and night games.”
The decision is a significant shift in stadium operations and certainly a win for fans, with Marvel often feeling like a dungeon, particularly on warm autumn nights.
AFL great Nick Reiwoldt joked that it would be cheaper to simply install air conditioning in the coaches’ boxes rather than alter the entire roof policy.
Stream The Agenda Setters live or watch anytime on-demand at 7plus
And Agenda Setters host Craig Hutchison wondered if Beveridge had the remote control to open the roof.
“I reckon Bevo’s going to have a big say (on whether it’s open or closed), Brad Scott style,” Cleary said.
Riewoldt said he always preferred the roof to be closed during his playing days.
“Particularly day games. I know that’s the policy now, but for day games when the roof was open, it was a nightmare,” he said.
Marvel Stadium has been constantly criticised since it first opened in 2000, with its northwest-to-southeast orientation savaged.
The setting sun can be blinding for players and fans, which is why the roof has been a constant talking point over the years
Hutchison applauded the policy change.
“I think that’s a common-sense decision. Nice night, open the roof,” he said.