While match commentators and fans on social media expressed disappointment and, at times, outrage over the surface, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse gave the ground the thumbs up.
Malthouse said the surface "seemed OK" to him.
"The ground is slippery. So what?" Malthouse said.
"You have just got to be equipped and you've got to be mentally tough enough and mentally prepared to play.
"There is nothing wrong with that ground."
However, AFL.com.au's Michael Voss took a very different view.
The three-time Brisbane Lions premiership skipper said the ground conditions needed to be better for such an important game.
"It's disgraceful," Voss told The Final Say immediately after the Swans' win.
"Players are just running in straight lines and falling over. That is highly unusual."
And former Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola said on Twitter: "Can't believe they are playing an AFL final at Wet and Wild."
The home of the 2000 Sydney Olympic games hosted a National Rugby League final between South Sydney and Melbourne on Friday night in a triple-header of games across two codes this weekend.
ANZ Stadium officials described the ground condition as "good" in a pre-match summary provided to media before the opening bounce.
Head curator Graeme Logan said the surface was in "good shape", with a warmer than average winter and sunny start to spring providing good growing conditions.
