AFL Daily: AFL open to easing runner restrictions next season
The AFL's senior coaches will lobby the league to ease it's hard-line stance on the use of runners when they gather for their annual dinner with Gillon McLachlan next week. RECAP THE DAY'S NEWS
Jon Ralph
2 min read
July 4, 2019 - 8:45PM
Adam Treloar and Scott Pendlebury.
The AFL could make a significant backflip on the use of runners next year after widespread protest from the coaching fraternity.
AFL football boss Steve Hocking is open to a reversal of the AFL’s hard-line decision to only allow runners onto the ground for a short time after goals.
The AFL's senior coaches will gather at league CEO Gillon McLachlan’s house on Monday night for their annual dinner.The runner issue is sure to be high on the agenda.
The league has made clear it loves the impact of the new rules — regardless of a lack of high scoring — with the 6-6-6 rule playing a major factor in the last minutes of close games.
The league will not alter its rules again next year but has a more open mind on runners.
Sydney coach John Longmire recently wondered aloud whether Lance Franklin’s latest hamstring strain occurred because he could not force a rotation and get back on to the ground.
Franklin was trapped on the sidelines for several minutes and appeared to strain his hamstring when he eventually burst on to the ground and sprinted forward.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has lobbied strongly for more access to the runners.
AFL coaches boss Mark Brayshaw said the league genuinely seemed prepared to listen over several issues troubling the coaches.
“There was a competition committee meeting a while back and at that time they still had a high level of discussion. The AFL will be very keen to hear their feedback on what has happened in the first two thirds of the season,” he said.
“With the environment Gill has created it’s a very informal chat about what’s working and what is not, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Steve was able to say what do you reckon?”
“He will be saying this is what we thought, this is what has happened, what do you reckon?
“It’s a meeting without an agenda at the boss’s house with a glass of red.”
The limits on runners this season has frustrated coaches.
Longmire said he hoped the league would look at the rule after Franklin’s injury.
“I’d like to think they would (look at the rule), but I don’t know whether they will,” he said.
“You’d like to think that we would be able to get the runner out there occasionally a bit more than what we are, we’re not out to ruin the game.“Often it’s about rotating players and getting them on and off the ground, and protecting them at times, rather than trying to choke up the game and do it that way.”
“I don’t know if that contributed (to the injury) or not and nobody will ever know.”
Updates
SAINTS RULE OUT HANNEBERY
Chris Vernuccio
Glenn McFarlane
St Kilda midfielder Dan Hannebery will miss Sunday's clash with North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena in Hobart after pulling up sore following last weekend's game against Richmond.
But the Saints are hopeful the 28-year-old will push to play in Round 17 against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
The plan had always been to manage Hannebery's load in the coming weeks after he had played four games in his comeback from persistent hamstring and calf injuries – two of them with Sandringham in the VFL and two with the Saints in the AFL.
But the former Swan didn't recover as well as required following his 23-disposal game against the Tigers, prompting the conditioning staff to take the conservative approach on the player who spent the first half of the season on the sidelines.
Jack Newnes will take his place in the team, following his 21 disposals in the VFL last year, in what was his first game back at that level after a 123-game AFL streak.
The loss of Hannebery is a setback for the Saints as they look to keep their flickering finals hopes alive.
Alan Richardson's team sits only a game but sizeable percentage outside the top eight, but must start winning games to stay in the hunt.
LITTLE BRO FOLLOWING IN SAAD'S FOOTSTEPS
Chris Vernuccio
Being closer to his family — and Adam Saad has a big one — played a huge part in the Essendon defender’s decision to move back to Melbourne after three years on the Gold Coast.
And helping guide his youngest brother Noah, one of Saad’s two brothers and three sisters, on his path toward his own AFL career, is way easier when you live in the same house.
Noah Saad, 14, has been picked to take part in the AFL World Team program for boys aged 14-16 from multicultural backgrounds.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says premiership star Toby McLean will be given ample opportunity in the midfield against Geelong tonight after forcing his way back into the senior side with a dominant VFL showing last weekend.
After 12 games this season Mclean, who had spent significant time forward this year, was omitted for last week’s clash with Port Adelaide but produced a best-on-ground performance for Footscray in the VFL with 30 possessions, 10 clearances and two goals.
McLean has averaged just 17.9 disposals at AFL level this year, down from 23.9 last season.
Beveridge says McLean was an “important player” who deserved a recall after his performance last week and would be important in the absence of midfield dynamos Mitch Wallis (ankle) and Tom Liberatore (knee) who remain out of the side.
“We think he can be more influential that he has been,” Beveridge said.
“The challenge for Tobes is that he can be that player who really forces the issue and ensures we win more games than we lose and he’s more than capable of that.
"The way he played last week for Footscray indicated that he took the news of the omission on-board and he accepted it and he went back and he played really well as a midfielder.”
Beveridge said the club will rely on Matthew Suckling, Bailey Williams, and Ed Richards after defender Caleb Daniel was forced out of the side with a hamstring injury.
Beveridge said his side’s spread through the forward line had been “okay” this year, with the Bulldogs ranking ninth for scores for, averaging 80.7 points a game.
Sam Lloyd leads the club’s goalkicking list this season with just 22 goals.
“We haven’t got any outperformers who have kicked their 35 or 40 goals,” the Beveridge said.
“There’s a handful of players who have probably just missed some gettable ones that would’ve been nice that maybe gives us an extra couple of Ws."
The Bulldogs and Geelong met just six games ago in Round 9, with the Cats scoring a 44-point win.
PREMIERSHIP BULLDOG GETS ANOTHER CHANCE
Michael Randall
Jack Morgan
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says premiership star Toby McLean will be given ample opportunity in the midfield against Geelong tonight after forcing his way back into the senior side with a dominant VFL showing last weekend.
After 12 games this season Mclean, who had spent significant time forward this year, was omitted for last week’s clash with Port Adelaide but produced a best-on-ground performance for Footscray in the VFL with 30 possessions, 10 clearances and two goals.
McLean has averaged just 17.9 disposals at AFL level this year, down from 23.9 last season.
Beveridge says McLean was an “important player” who deserved a recall after his performance last week and would be important in the absence of midfield dynamos Mitch Wallis (ankle) and Tom Liberatore (knee) who remain out of the side.
“We think he can be more influential that he has been,” Beveridge said.
“The challenge for Tobes is that he can be that player who really forces the issue and ensures we win more games than we lose and he’s more than capable of that.
"The way he played last week for Footscray indicated that he took the news of the omission on-board and he accepted it and he went back and he played really well as a midfielder.”
Beveridge said the club will rely on Matthew Suckling, Bailey Williams, and Ed Richards after defender Caleb Daniel was forced out of the side with a hamstring injury.
Beveridge said his side’s spread through the forward line had been “okay” this year, with the Bulldogs ranking ninth for scores for, averaging 80.7 points a game.
Sam Lloyd leads the club’s goalkicking list this season with just 22 goals.
“We haven’t got any outperformers who have kicked their 35 or 40 goals,” the Beveridge said.
“There’s a handful of players who have probably just missed some gettable ones that would’ve been nice that maybe gives us an extra couple of Ws."
The Bulldogs and Geelong met just six games ago in Round 9, with the Cats scoring a 44-point win.
UMP'S PLEA FOR FANS TO TONE DOWN ABUSE
Chris Vernuccio
Record-breaking whistleblower Shane McInerney says there is still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to abuse directed at umpires from the crowd at AFL matches.
McInerney will break the VFL/AFL record for most games umpired, set by current AFL umpires coach Hayden Kennedy, when he officiates in Saturday night’s Western Bulldogs-Geelong clash at Marvel Stadium.
He told reporters on Friday that there have been huge improvements in the relationship between players and umpires since his first season in 1994.
But with fan behaviour in the spotlight recently, he urged supporters to be more considered in their approach to barracking.
“The relationship and the conduct of the players with umpires is fantastic,” McInerney said.
“(But) with what we see on the other side of the fence I think there’s probably room for change, probably room for improvement.
“We’ve got to remember that what happens at AFL level filters down to the community, country and suburban leagues.
“No one expects to be applauded off the ground but I think that when the abuse is personal and very directed, I think that’s an area that needs to be improved.”
The ejection of supporters by stadium security this season has been a hot topic acknowledged by AFL chief Gillon McLachlan, who apologised to fans who felt intimidated by heightened security.
McInerney was in the crowd on Anzac Day when Essendon fans were criticised for their conduct in booing some late umpiring decisions and Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury.
The veteran umpire was taken aback by the venom and ferocity on display in the grandstands at the MCG.
“I just think community standards have changed a lot,” he said.
“What you could yell at the footy 10,15, 20 years ago isn’t what you can yell now.
“I was at a game earlier this year on Anzac Day, I don’t usually go to the football, and I was really surprised with the crowd behaviour.
“I know there were a few decisions towards the end of the game that really got people fired up but the behaviour really surprised me.
“I think it’s time to actually make that step-change and move the dial as to what supporter behaviour needs to be to (allow)everyone to enjoy the game.”
– AAP
Hawthorn needs to curtail Collingwood's star-studded midfield if it is to be any hope of beating a wounded Pie outfit, according to Nick Dal Santo.
But there is one player, above all others, the Hawks must put the most time into, the former St Kilda and North Melbourne player says.
!function(d,s){ var j=d.createElement(s); j.type="text/javascript"; j.src="https://multitools.newscdn.com.au/editorialtools/build/static/js/loader.js?v=1562285537993"; d.getElementsByTagName("head")[0].appendChild(j); }(document, "script");
"Scott Pendlebury," Dal Santo said on SEN today.
"He’s the class … the game goes at his speed when he gets the football.
"He can cut it off at the head
"I think (Adam) Treloar is a superb ball winner (but) I’d like him to be a lot neater by foot, I think he can be so much more damaging if he kicks it to someone wearing the same jumper a little bit more often.
"I look at Steele Sidebottom, look he’s playing on the wing – I’m backing (Ricky) Henderson or (Tom) Scully to at least be able to go with him aerobically and I think they could at least also make Steele Sidebottom accountable going back the other way. Particularly Henderson, who’s having a superb year.
"This is why they’re so good, though, they’ve got multiple players that need to be minimised at all times.
"I just don’t know if the Hawks can cover all the bases."
Winning the physical contest will be priority No.1 for the Magpies.
“Our last month has indicated we just haven’t done those basic contested elements as well,” coach Nathan Buckley said.
“That’s clearly where our focus will be because the rest of our game stacks up off the back of that.”
Buckley said the issues for Collingwood out of the North loss were clear and had been dealt with over the past few days.
He added that last Saturday’s horror show probably gave the Hawks added belief.
“(They) might feel that they have a bit of a window into how to knock us over, so it’s a competition and we’re looking forward to it.”
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson noted that despite Collingwood’s problems, their 10 wins are double the Hawks' tally and they remain a formidable opponent. But he said North had shown the way.
“If you want to take a blueprint of what the Kangas did, then we know that’s going to hold us in pretty good stead,” Clarkson said.
While Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton will return from suspension and Collingwood defender Isaac Quaynor will make his AFL debut, the Hawks will not risk veteran forward Jarryd Roughead.
After returning to the AFL in round 14, Roughead missed last week with a side strain.
Clarkson said if Roughead plays anywhere this weekend, it will be for Box Hill. Instead of Roughead, the Hawks recalled Mitch Lewis as a tall forward option. Jon Ceglar was dropped and Dylan Moore has a groin injury.
Jamie Elliott and James Aish are back from injury for the Magpies, who lost Ben Reid (calf) and Levi Greenwood (back), as well as dropping Travis Varcoe.
HOW MUCH GAME TIME WILL DAW PLAY?
Chris Vernuccio
Toby Prime
North Melbourne defender Majak Daw will complete another milestone in his journey towards an against-all-odds AFL return when he lines up in the VFL on Sunday.
Some believed he wouldn’t play again, but all eyes will be on Daw at Arden Street Oval when the Kangaroos host Sandringham in what would be one of the best football feel-good stories of 2019.
It will be the 28-year-old’s first game since he fell from the Bolte Bridge a week before Christmas last year, suffering hip and pelvic injuries.
Daw has had to learn to walk again and it seemed unlikely he would play this year, but he is determined to add to his 50-game AFL career.
His recovery has been meticulous, with the club sharing and celebrating small achievements in his comeback on social media.
North Melbourne VFL coach David Loader said expectations would be low for Daw’s return.
Former teammate Brent Harvey said this week Daw could play as less as 20 per cent game time in what would be his first game since Round 23 last year.
“My expectations as coach will be that he gets out there, has a run around, pulls up fit and healthy and enjoys himself. That’s the only expectations I’ve certainly got on him,” Loader said.
“I’d consider it a success if he can run out on the ground … it’s just that he’s got back and playing footy. That’s the big win this weekend.
“It’s a great story and it’s been a shot in the arm to the people around the place just to show life is bigger than football.”
Daw completed a hit-out during the week and got through a “short, brisk training session and pulled up fine”.
All that remains is for Daw to pulls on the boots.
VFL FIXTURE ROUND 14 (TIPS IN CAPITALS)
Saturday:
Footscray v RICHMOND: Whitten Oval, 1pm
WERRIBEE v Collingwood: Avalon Airport Oval, 2pm
BOX HILL HAWKS v Geelong: Box Hill City Oval, 2pm
CASEY DEMONS v Northern Blues: Casey Fields, 2pm
WILLIAMSTOWN v Frankston: Downer Oval, 2pm
Sunday:
NORTH MELBOURNE v Sandringham: Arden St Oval, 11.40am
Coburg v ESSENDON: Piranha Park, 12.30pm
Sydney legend Michael O’Loughlin has revealed he was left shattered when the Swans swooped on him before Carlton in the 1994 national draft.
A lifelong Blues supported, O’Loughlin expected to be selected by Carlton at pick 41 before Sydney moved in with the preceding pick.
O’Loughlin said he broke down in tears when the Swans called out his name.
“It was at the end of ‘94 so I didn’t know how the draft worked,” O’Loughlin told Channel 7 last night.
“Shane O’Sullivan, legendary Carlton man, he knocked on the door and basically said: 'We’re interested. We’ve been watching you for a long period of time since you were 15, 16 (years old). I don’t usually say this but if everything goes all right in the draft, we’re going to take you at pick 41’.
“I was just doing cartwheels, I couldn’t believe I was going to get drafted by Carlton.
"Sticks (Stephen Kernahan) didn't know it but I was going to go and live with him as a 17-year-old.
“(At) the draft… I was sitting here going please pick 41. Pick 40, Sydney Swans select Michael O’Loughlin and I went s—.
“The tears came down, I was devastated. I hated the Swans.”
O’Loughlin was the first Swan to 300 games (he played 303 in total), won a premiership in 2005, was twice named an All-Australia and is the club's second-highest goal kicker.
SYDNEY LEGEND REVEALS BLUES HEARTBREAK
Chris Vernuccio
Sydney legend Michael O’Loughlin has revealed he was left shattered when the Swans swooped on him before Carlton in the 1994 national draft.
A lifelong Blues supported, O’Loughlin expected to be selected by Carlton at pick 41 before Sydney moved in with the preceding pick.
O’Loughlin said he broke down in tears when the Swans called out his name.
“It was at the end of ‘94 so I didn’t know how the draft worked,” O’Loughlin told Channel 7 last night.
“Shane O’Sullivan, legendary Carlton man, he knocked on the door and basically said: 'We’re interested. We’ve been watching you for a long period of time since you were 15, 16 (years old). I don’t usually say this but if everything goes all right in the draft, we’re going to take you at pick 41’.
“I was just doing cartwheels, I couldn’t believe I was going to get drafted by Carlton.
"Sticks (Stephen Kernahan) didn't know it but I was going to go and live with him as a 17-year-old.
“(At) the draft… I was sitting here going please pick 41. Pick 40, Sydney Swans select Michael O’Loughlin and I went s—.
“The tears came down, I was devastated. I hated the Swans.”
O’Loughlin was the first Swan to 300 games (he played 303 in total), won a premiership in 2005, was twice named an All-Australia and is the club's second-highest goal kicker.
-JON RALPH AND JAY CLARK
Ben Reid's future?
Stephen Hill out of Freo?
Scott Thompson to go on?
What compensation will GWS get if Stephen Coniglio leaves?
Suns SOS coming?
All that and more in this week's edition of MoneyBall.
Port Adelaide young gun Jackson Mead says the news Josh Carr might soon be announced as the club’s next coach was ‘a bit of a surprise’. But he only had good things to say.
