Runners spending too much time on the field, giving AFL reason to remove or restrict them next year

RUNNERS will be either removed or restricted next season and we reveal the reason why the AFL wants to clear them from the grounds, and the ruck nomination rule is under fire again.

Runners could be abolished or restricted next season. Picture: Michael Klein

RUNNERS are spending more than 50 per cent of playing time on the ground, giving the AFL more ammunition to remove or restrict them next season.

The Herald Sun can reveal Fremantle runner and former Dockers’ midfielder Tendai Mzungu spent 17 minutes 14 seconds of the third term on the field in Saturday’s loss to Essendon.

The Herald Sun timed Mzungu’s movements on and off the Fremantle bench in Essendon’s 29-point win at Etihad Stadium.

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Runners will be either abolished entirely or only permitted on to the field to pass on prompt messages immediately following goals next season.

But premiership coach Paul Roos said any move to restrict runners would only hurt the younger and lower-placed teams next season.

“(It is) Another rule which will come in to help the better teams,” Roos said on Triple M.

“So if you want to continue to (increase the) gap between the best and the worst teams, restrict the runners.

“The runners are there to educate players.

“The runners are there to help young players if I am coaching a top team, I would be saying ‘Get rid of the runners’ because I know it is huge advantage.

“I have got six or seven eight coaches in the field who will be able to direct players to move there and make moves themselves.”

Runners are spending too much time on the field. Picture: Michael Klein

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan last week publicly questioned whether runners were necessary in the modern game, and supports moves to clear them off the ground.

The AFL confirmed it was looking to make big changes after issuing Sydney with a warning for Jeremy Laidler’s movements in the final two minutes of the Swans’ win over North Melbourne last round.

Laidler took up space in the corridor and instructed players to slow down the game as the Swans’ held on to a six-point win over the Roos.

McLachlan said he was frustrated with runners deliberately “getting in the way”.

“I have seen runners filling holes and creating space (on the field),” McLachlan said on 3AW.

“Yeah it is (unacceptable) and I think that’s what was called out last week.”

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Roos, meanwhile, said the ruck nomination rule was an “embarrassment to our game” and must be removed for next season.

The controversial rule is back in the spotlight after a contentious decision was paid against Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw for obstructing Patrick Dangerfield at a boundary throw-in on Saturday night.

Dangerfield was 10m away from opposition ruckman Max Gawn when the superstar Cat nominated for the ruck from the side of the play, and drew contact and a subsequent free-kick from an oblivious Brayshaw.

It was a crucial moment in the game as Dangerfield converted the free kick into a goal in the Cats thrilling two-point win.

Roos said there was no need for ruckmen to nominate.

He said the AFL should change the rule to instead simply penalise a third man up in the ruck contest.

“It’s an embarrassment to our game that you have to have two people (nominate for a ruck contest),” Roos said on Triple M.

“It’s an embarrassment for the laws committee to put that rule in place… What is it under twelves?”

Melbourne players Max Gawn and Bernie Vince immediately argued with the umpire after the second quarter incident.

Sydney great Jude Bolton said Brayshaw likely didn’t hear Dangerfield’s ruck nomination or confirmation from the umpire because he was wearing a helmet.

“I’ve worn a helmet, you can’t hear anything,” Bolton said.

“Either way, the rule creates confusion. Terrible look for the game. Get rid of it.”

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was flabbergasted by the ruling after the match and confirmed he would seek clarification with the umpire’s department this week.

“How Angus Brayshaw is meant to know that Patrick Dangerfield’s going up in the ruck from 10 metres away is staggering,” Goodwin said.

“We’ll obviously get some clarification ... we got exposed on that play and it’s a goal we don’t get back.”

North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey said the umpire was correct to pay the free kick under the rules.

But the legendary forward said the rule should be abolished.

“It will change. It is a blight in our game that we have to nominate but it was a free kick,” Carey said.

“Angus Brayshaw had the absolute blinkers on thinking that he was doing the right thing doing what he should be doing on one of the best players in the competition.”

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