SYDNEY has received a "please explain" letter from the AFL about runner Jeremy Laidler's actions in the dying minutes of the Swans' nail-biting win against North Melbourne.

Vision of Sunday's game at Etihad Stadium shows Laidler barely left the centre square during the final two minutes, when the Swans successfully held on for a six-point victory.

Laidler appeared to instruct Swans players to slow the game down and pick up opponents during this time, while there were suggestions that by stationing himself inside the centre square he was consciously blocking space within the corridor.

Runners are required to leave the field quickly after delivering messages and are prohibited from coaching players during play or guarding space. The AFL can fine a club or suspend the runner for any violations of these rules.

AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking confirmed on Tuesday the League had sought an explanation from the Swans on Laidler's conduct, but said it was hardly an isolated case.

"We've issued a letter. In fairness to Jeremy, it's unfair that he's actually been highlighted to the level he has been. We could probably send out 18 (letters) a weekend," Hocking said.

"If you have a look at what we did during the JLT (Community Series), which everyone seems to have forgotten about, and on the verge of the season there was potential that it was going to change and we ended up staying with the status quo, but it's on the agenda.

"That will be something the Competition Committee work through."

During this year's JLT series, runners were only allowed to run on to the ground after a goal had been signalled and during the quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter time breaks.

When a runner came on to the ground during a quarter, they had to be off – or at least making their way off – the playing surface by the time the ball was bounced to restart play.

The AFL considered implementing this rule in this year's home and away season but relented after a backlash from some senior coaches, most notably the Western Bulldogs' Luke Beveridge.

However, there appears little doubt runners will be governed by tighter rules from next season.

"I don't think what we saw is within the spirit of the game," Hocking said of Laidler's actions.

"But I could give you another 17 examples from the weekend (in which) that would be the case."