The Age’s Michael Gleeson reports the league has told clubs it “intends to make a change to cut the number of runners and, potentially, when they can go on the ground”.
Gleeson also claims “Under the most extreme scenario, runners would be scrapped in games altogether; another option was that the two runners per club in a match (only one is allowed on the ground at any one time) be cut back to one.
“Another option would be to allow runners on the ground only at stoppages after a goal is scored and insist they be off the ground before play resumes.”
The change could come as early as next season and would come about to improve the look of the game.
“The most likely change at a very minimum is that clubs will be more heavily scrutinised next year and those whose runners spend time filling space or lingering on the ground will be heavily penalised,” Gleeson wrote.
However the potential changes won’t come as a surprise. When the issue was first raised back in 2011, Brad Scott called it "ridiculous" and told the AFL to "stop jumping at shadows" over minor issues.
Scott argued runners are vital.
"I defy anyone who's grown up with AFL footy to suggest they go to matches and watch the runner or even notice the runner.
"It's such a minor issue and such a vital coaching tool."
Runners are unique to the AFL, but Scott said it a better system than having time-outs.
"No one wants time-outs,” he added.
"Runners are still vitally important...they need to ask the people who are actually in the coach's box.
"The runner is there to deliver a message but I think what should be highlighted is quite often I'll give the runner a message such as: 'I want our backline to go one-on-one'.
"He can't run out and give that one message.
"He's got to get out to six individual players and give that message, so that can take time."
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