Chris Scott believes four-time All-Australian Tom Stewart has avoided a serious injury, but is unlikely to face Carlton at the MCG next Thursday night.

"He was subbed off pretty quickly. I'd be surprised if he plays next week, but beyond that it is hard to say. They [club doctors] don't think it is a really long-termer," Scott said. 

Young gun Sam De Koning also suffered an injury in the second quarter after his knee buckled underneath him as he ran backwards during a kick-in. 

The 22-year-old returned after half-time with strapping on his knee and played out the game, but was clearly impeded by the incident and only managed to collect two disposals after the incident. 

"He was hampered, it was similar to a minor thing he had at training about three weeks ago. He bounced back really quickly from that, but he was certainly hampered," Scott said.

"Even with Stewart going out, there was no suggestion from our medical staff that there was a risk there putting him back on. We wouldn't take a risk; we would give up the four points before we'd put Sam De Koning at risk."

With Stewart's injury occurring on the newly laid turf that was part of the MCC's plans in line with hosting two Ed Sheeran concerts on the eve of the season – De Koning's happened on the older grass – Scott questioned the MCG's decision to host the gigs in March. 

"It is an interesting discussion for others to have. It is distasteful for the coach of the losing team to talk about the surface, but it is worthy of discussion," he said.

"I've got an opinion that I'm going to keep to myself. The issue is there are differences on the ground; some bits are really firm and you can keep your feet; other bits are soft and you can't keep your feet. 

"It's not a criticism, it's not my area – it's been a long time since the Grand Final – it's the biggest game in the land, and it's the best ground in the world in my view, to compromise the surface is a strange decision to make voluntarily. It was an own goal I reckon."