ST KILDA'S planned training session at Marvel Stadium on Friday has been moved because of concerns over the ground's surface.



The turf in front of the interchange benches was scrutinised across round one, after Western Bulldogs veteran Matt Suckling injured his right ankle as a patch of the playing surface moved beneath him last Saturday night.

The following day as the Saints faced Gold Coast, divots of grass came out on the problematic western wing, with an emergency umpire coming out early in the third term to put them back into place.



BOMBERS V SAINTS Can St Kilda make it two from two?

The roof was kept open for Sunday’s match so the sunny conditions could be taken advantage of, allowing the grass to grow.

On Monday, the AFL Players' Association declared it would inspect the ground, with a 20-30m section of turf to be re-laid ahead of round two.

Essendon hosts St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, ahead of a clash between North Melbourne and Brisbane the following afternoon.



The newly-named stadium's turf seemed far from marvellous in round one. Picture: AFL Photos



Despite concerns, AFLPA head of player and stakeholder relations, Brett Murphy, said on Monday those involved weren't overly worried.

"I've spoken to GMs of football who weren't aware of any issues on the ground during the course of the game," Murphy said.

"What we saw on TV was concerning. I was concerned watching it on TV, but generally the players and the clubs who were there were OK."

The Saints are not worried about being unable to train at their home ground and will instead complete their last session at RSEA Park before Saturday’s clash, as per normal, from 10am AEDT.

The AFL declined to comment.