The MCG is almost ready to host the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers on Friday, but fans have been left to rue the absence of one of the NFL’s most “scary” sights after the Rams opted to leave a star at home.

The latest chapter in the storied history of the MCG is about to unfold as the venue is transformed for Friday’s NFL match then changed back to AFL finals mode.

The thought of coming to Australia to play an NFL game didn’t initially appeal to San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, but he and his team have quickly warmed to the idea.