Arnfield, whose actions also came under scrutiny in 2005 and 2006, was rubbed out for a month after repeated breaches of AFL rules regarding runners.
The AFL determined Arnfield had breached the rule relating to runners being allowed onto the ground “for the sole purpose of conferring briefly with the players of his club (and)…must then immediately leave the playing surface”.
On Friday, Williams said he’d never instructed a runner to go out onto the ground for any other reason than to deliver a message.
“If you’ve tried to be a runner it’s quite difficult,” Williams said.
“For a start, they’re standing on the bench waiting for the other runner to come off. They might be trying to deliver a message to someone in the centre square to move forward and then they have to run and get the person that’s up forward to come off. At the same time, there might be a ball-up on the opposite side.
“That might take a fair amount of time.”
Williams also suggested the official observing the runners last weekend had a history with Arnfield from his days in the SANFL.
“I’ve suggested he [Arnfield] grow some hair because there’s no doubt he’s easy to recognise,” Williams said.
“He’s done a wonderful job for Port Adelaide and he’s completely involved in our results. He lives and breathes for the club and we’ll certainly miss him in the next four weeks.
“It [not having your head runner] definitely does affect you [on match-day]. He [Arnfield] realises that and that’s why he’s always mindful of doing the right thing.”
Williams was more upbeat about the inclusion of debutant Jason Davenport.
Davenport, 23, was thrown a lifeline by the Power in last year’s NAB AFL Draft after being delisted by Geelong.
Davenport has been in good form with SANFL club West Adelaide and Williams said the goalkicking onballer deserved his opportunity.
“Jason was outstanding at the start of the year and he hasn’t had an opportunity yet,” he said.
“He’s been waiting [to make his debut] for two or three years and those sorts of people make the most of their opportunities.
“He’s a terrific runner and can play forward and through the midfield. He tackles really well and that’s what we’ll be looking for tomorrow.”
Veteran Josh Carr, who was omitted last week, is still battling with a hip strain and will not play for Glenelg on Saturday.
However, Williams expected Carr to be available for selection next week.
Port Adelaide heads to Melbourne for a look at the Docklands surface on Friday afternoon ahead of Saturday night’s clash with North Melbourne.
