SYDNEY has been issued with a first and final warning from the AFL after runner Jeremy Laidler spent much of the final two minutes in the centre square during the Swans' six-point win over North Melbourne last Sunday.

Runners are required to quickly leave the field after delivering messages, with blocking space and coaching not allowed.

AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking was in Sydney on Wednesday to meet with Sydney officials regarding the Competition Committee. 

An AFL spokesperson confirmed Sydney had been warned. 

"That was advised to the club in writing. It's a warning," the spokesperson told AFL.com.au. 

Hocking said earlier this week Laidler wasn't the only runner to engage in such behaviour.

"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."

Sydney has been contacted for comment.