A 2.1 metre statue of Sydney Swans full-forward Tony Lockett has been rejected by the Sydney Cricket Ground - the same organisation who commissioned it.

The problem with sculpture, made out of 250kg of modelling clay by Sydney artist Alan Somerville is that Lockett has his mouth closed.

The man bankrolling the statue, philanthropist and Swans patron Basil Sellers, believes it should be open, The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Friday.

Mr Sellers also believes Lockett should have his focus on the ball, while the statue has the full-forward looking straight ahead.

The disagreement came to ahead last week when Mr Sellers and SCG Trust chairman Rod Cavalier visited Mr Somerville's studio just before the statue was to be cast in bronze.

The statue of Lockett was to be the fourth in a series of 10 sports people to be displayed, funded by Mr Sellers, and was to be unveiled at the first Swans home game this season.

Mr Sellers said now the subject of the statue had been unveiled he "may or may not go ahead and honour that person".

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP