Runners crackdown looms

THE AFL has set the scene for a major crackdown on runners, saying the controversial tactics used by Sydney runner Jeremy Laidler were commonplace.

The league is almost certain to limit time on field to immediately after goals are scored next year, in line with this year’s preseason trial.

Footy boss Steve Hocking yesterday said the league had sought an explanation from Sydney about Laidler’s late- game movements in the club’s one-kick win over North Melbourne on Sunday.

It was revealed on Monday that Laidler camped in the middle of the ground and instructed Sydney players to slow the game down in the frantic finish.

The club could be fined and Laidler suspended and Hocking said that sort of activity was widespread.

“We don’t support it and we have sent a letter through to Sydney and we will work through that over the coming days,” Hocking said.

“But it is probably similar to 17 (other) runners. It is unfortunate the focus has been turned on Jeremy, but the reality is that this has been going on for most of the year.”

AFL rules require runners to pass on messages quickly and leave the ground promptly. They are prohibited from coaching or instructing players “in-play”.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said Laidler’s activity was a “blatant” attempt to impact the flow of play, while coaching legend Michael Malthouse said: “We don’t need that”.

Hocking said the league “had a lot of vision” to support a potential overhaul of runner rules, helping clear space for players.

“If people were doing their homework like we are internally, they would be surprised how often that is going on within a game,” he said.

“It is not within the spirit of the game and we certainly prefer those individuals in those roles to respect the spirit of the game.”

Hocking said the Laidler incident should serve as a “friendly reminder” that provisions trailed in the JLT Series could be introduced permanently in 2019.

“It’s one of a raft of things we are working through,” he said. “If you go back to the JLT Series we were very clear we were trailing something there. If people have forgotten, it’s a friendly reminder that that is on the horizon.”

Sydney coach John Longmire denied Laidler was attempting to man up, or shadow North Melbourne players, to help protect the Swans’ slender lead.

“He had a small window with 43 seconds to get off the ground, when the play was between him and the interchange bench, he didn’t take it,” Longmire said.

“He missed that opportunity as a lot of people make mistakes or miss opportunities, whether it’s free kicks or decisions missed.

“There was absolutely no indication of him deliberately blocking space.”