A half-open Etihad Stadium roof has sparked a much more decisive reaction from rival AFL coaches Brad Scott and Damien Hardwick.

In short, keep it shut. Always.

While acknowledging the NAB Challenge is the time for the league to experiment, Scott and Hardwick were adamant that this idea did not work.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, one of the two retractable roof sections was kept open for the Richmond v North Melbourne match.

“I don’t know, it’s not that hard is it? Is it that hard, really? Here’s an idea, shut the bloody thing,” said Hardwick after Richmond lost by 11 points.

“Jesus – I just reckon ask the players.”

Hardwick said at the opening bounce players clearly were struggling to see the ball because they had the sun in their eyes.

“I can understand what they’re trying to achieve – it’s okay if the games are a little bit later with the shade contrast to keep it off the (fans),” he added.

“But the players are pretty important.”

Scott had to be careful, given he has been a strident critic for several years about having the roof open at all for any AFL match.

It is also only a couple of days after North chairman James Brayshaw strongly criticised the club’s deal with Etihad Stadium.

But Scott made his point clear.

“If there’s anyone here from a broadcaster, I’d prefer to ask them what they thought,” he said.

“I’d prefer to ask the fans what they thought – did they enjoy the spectacle?

“My opinion is very, very clear – I will say it before, I will say it again, I think the roof should be closed.

“I think it’s better for everyone.”

Scott said the league had told him 60 per cent of surveyed fans said they want the roof open during games.

“I’d love to see that survey,” he retorted.

“I’d love for you guys to go and ask the fans who are watching at home what did the spectacle look like, with the roof half-opened.”