OPTUS Stadium management says "significant turf protection" will be in place for Sunday's Nitro Circus motorbike event to protect the highly scrutinised playing surface ahead of the historic first Western Derby at the venue.
The Nitro Circus is scheduled for less than 24 hours after Fremantle hosts the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Set-up for the extreme sports event - featuring the "biggest ramps on the planet" - begins following the Dockers-Dogs clash and bump-out will start immediately after Sunday night's show.
The bounce for the 47th Western Derby, and first at Optus Stadium, is at 2.40pm AWST on Sunday, April 29.
"Significant turf protection will be in place for Nitro Circus and the show is limited to the southern side of the playing surface," an Optus Stadium spokesperson told AFL.com.au.
"A dedicated ground protection plan has been developed by Nitro Circus in conjunction with stadium management.
"The Nitro Circus stage involves installing protective flooring alongside scaffolding and inflatables for the ramps.
"Nitro Circus has an excellent track record of protection and management of turf from other venues.
"This schedule has been known for many months and as a multi-purpose venue, all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure that the turf remains in optimal condition."
It is understood West Coast is planning to stage main training at Optus Stadium late next week.
The Dockers haven't finalised their schedule but are due to train at the stadium next Friday.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson raised concerns about the hardness of the surface this week after several players suffered lower-leg injuries so far this season.
"I don't think we'll let it go because in the end the safety of our players is our No.1 priority," Simpson said.
"I'm just aware of a couple of things with our playing group and teams that play here, how they're pulling up.
"It's not to say it's Optus Stadium's fault but we're pulling up a little bit sorer than we normally do, so we're just investigating why and letting them know that's happening.
"I'm sure they'll work through it. We want a really good relationship with the stadium – it's our home ground – and we're doing everything we can to make that work."
Dockers coach Ross Lyon said the surface was in the "acceptable range for the AFL", although it was harder than Domain Stadium.
"It's a work in progress. It's acceptable," Lyon said.
"We're handling it quite well, but we've been on there less (than the Eagles) because they couldn't train at Domain, is my understanding."
Last time Nitro Circus came to Perth two years ago the event had to be called-off mid-show due to dangerous wind gusts at NIB Stadium.
The forecast for Sunday is for showers, with a possible storm.
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