THERE will be no new restrictions placed on club runners this season after the AFL decided not to implement the changes trialled during the JLT Community Series for this year's premiership season.
AFL.com.au understands clubs were advised of the AFL's decision late on Friday.
A number of coaches voiced their opposition to any changes to the rules governing runners at their annual briefing with the AFL on Wednesday.
The prevailing mood at the time was that change was likely, but the AFL has opted to delay any new restrictions for at least another season.
During the JLT series, runners were only able to deliver messages to players after goals had been signalled and during the quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter time breaks.
When runners 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.
From the start of the home and away season, runners will again be able to enter the ground at any time during play.
AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking told AFL.com.au last month the JLT trial had come about after the League had meetings with all 18 clubs, including their senior coaches and football chiefs.
"We talked about the runners and there was a range of different versions that were discussed as far as their involvement within the game and where we've landed is a reflection of those discussions and we'll trial that during the JLT series," Hocking said.
"It is really about testing how runners are used and how effectively the clubs can use them within that timeframe after a goal."
The trial came in the wake of last year's controversy surrounding Greater Western Sydney runner Nick Maxwell.
Concerns were raised after the Giants' round 12 game against Carlton that Maxwell had been blocking space when the Blues were kicking out and coached players on the field rather than passing on messages from senior coach Leon Cameron.
The Giants angrily denied these suggestions, but AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan subsequently said the League would consider banning runners ahead of the 2018 season.
