Essendon runners tonight

[AFC1990]

Not sure on the rulings relating to runners and coaching etc, but was made aware of a tactic used by the bombers today. The two runners were tag teaming all game,with
one of them on the field for every minute of the game. Much of the time was about 20-40m off the ball, filling space on the defensive side of play. There is obviously a time limit nominated by the afl on the time a runner can stay on the ground, and they rotated like players off the bench.

Can anyone provide and insight into the legality of this tactic?

 

[radiojake]

They got pinged once for one of their runners getting too close to the play when Reilly switched the ball across half back and caught the runner out -

 

[fabs33]

Maybe the Essendon runner's coach is John Barnes.

 

[Glenno23]

They got pinged once for one of their runners getting too close to the play when Reilly switched the ball across half back and caught the runner out -

I thought it was VB that kicked it and it looked to me that he aimed that way to get the free kick

 

[King Elvis]

They aren't the only ones, I reckon WCE do it as well - they basically have their runner fill a spot in the zone.

Every chance we do it to, but I haven't paid attention to our runners.

Shouldn't be allowed.

 

[taylor_walker_13]

I also noticed this and was going to raise it on here, I thought after the John Barnes 'tactics' the rule was that one runner on the ground at a time and they are to deliver a message and then leave the ground.......................AFC should get this investigated because clearly a majority of teams are doing the right thing and a few are flouting the rules.

 

[Geoffa32]

Did notice their runners standing.in space not in any hurry to get the.message out. Thought it odd at the time, now realise what was happening.


In this age of player rotations, is the Runner really needed? Might be time for them to be scrapped at AFL level.

 

[SugarShane]

I thought it was VB that kicked it and it looked to me that he aimed that way to get the free kick

Considering that it appears to now be worth a free kick, i wouldn't be surprised to see it start to become more exploited.