Bevo calls on AFL to reinstate runners before round one

[bornadog]

More Bullshit from the AFL - what the hell is wrong with the way it was. How did restricting the runner enhance the game?




WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has thrown down the gauntlet to the AFL to listen to the players and reinstate the access to runners in 2019.


The AFL this year changed the rules around runners to ensure they could only enter the field of play after a goal had been scored.
Following the AFL reiterated its stance that there was no intention of changing rules before the season starts.

When asked of Beveridge's comments post-game, Saints coach Alan Richardson joined the chorus of support.
"I don't know why we got rid of the runners, personally," Richardson said.

"We do, as coaches, get the opportunity to voice our opinion in the right forum with the AFL, (Steve) Hocking and those guys. I just don't get it. I reckon that'd be a good thing (to bring them back).

"We used signs late in the game, so we've got the signs all ready to go in terms of what we want to do strategically.
"That takes a long time for the players to get used to that, to look over at the bench."

As revealed by AFL.com.au, clubs have started returning AFL-issued LED communication boards back to the League which are estimated to have cost the competition more than $50,000 (https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-03-07/most-clubs-opting-to-return-inadequate-interchange-boards).

Feedback provided by clubs suggested that the boards, used by a number of clubs during week one of the JLT Community Series were "impractical."



(https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-03-10/saints-take-cautious-approach-after-mccartin-head-knock)

[Remi Moses]

Tend to agree . Why ?

[Flamethrower]

This is the problem when a governing body creates multiple task forces, committees and commissions.

They feel they have to justify their enormously bloated pay cheques by making changes for change sake.

The AFL Rules of the Game Committee - Making Changes to the Game to justify their existence.

[bornadog]

We need a governing body for Aussie Rules. The AFL is a league and is part of Aussie rules but think they own the game

[mjp]

Nah - I'm 1000000% with the AFL on this one.

It's a game for players, not a game for coaches. Teach 'em during the week, coach 'em during the breaks...or chat to them on the phone when they rotate (which is every 4.6 seconds).

Get the runners, water carriers, physios and every other person who isn't a player OFF the ground.

[GVGjr]

Nah - I'm 1000000% with the AFL on this one.

It's a game for players, not a game for coaches. Teach 'em during the week, coach 'em during the breaks...or chat to them on the phone when they rotate (which is every 4.6 seconds).

Get the runners, water carriers, physios and every other person who isn't a player OFF the ground.

While I tend to agree that we have had too many extra's on the field surely the runners do help get the message to the players?

I guess when players like Duryea and Crozier return to the field they can help re-organise the backline

[MrMahatma]

You’d imagine younger teams will be impacted more than experienced ones.

I’ve got no issue either way.

[mjp]

While I tend to agree that we have had too many extra's on the field surely the runners do help get the message to the players?

I guess when players like Duryea and Crozier return to the field they can help re-organise the backline

100%. The players are at the club 30 hours per week...teach them then.

The continuous use of runners for 'instructions' is a blight on the game...get them OFF the field...

[bornadog]

100%. The players are at the club 30 hours per week...teach them then.

The continuous use of runners for 'instructions' is a blight on the game...get them OFF the field...

why is it a blight? Runners have been part of the game for as long as i can remember and I can’t understand why it is an issue and we have to change things.

[GVGjr]

why is it a blight? Runners have been part of the game for as long as i can remember and I can’t understand why it is an issue and we have to change things.

I went to some Footscray games last season and there were runner on the field for 3 and 4 minutes stretches and I think it's gone beyond getting a water bottle or an instruction to a player or two. There is a chance it's become more than that and while it might be something we have done for a long time before I think the coaches are using it for vastly more than what it was designed for.
If it needs to be managed better then why not clear the field more?

[bornadog]

I went to some Footscray games last season and there were runner on the field for 3 and 4 minutes stretches and I think it's gone beyond getting a water bottle or an instruction to a player or two. There is a chance it's become more than that and while it might be something we have done for a long time before I think the coaches are using it for vastly more than what it was designed for.
If it needs to be managed better then why not clear the field more?

There are rules in place now and they should be enforced. Why change it drastically?

[mjp]

There are rules in place now and they should be enforced. Why change it drastically?

Because there is no one to enforce them.

You could argue (and some did) that games were influenced last year by the continuous on-ground presence of one runner in particular. What can anyone actually DO about it? Tell the umpires to...well, do WHAT exactly? Tell them to leave the field of play? Well, that's what happens...then they come straight back on and do it again.

Players are not idiots...TEACH them...or get them off and COACH them.

In the talent pathway, we have 2x runners on the field at a time (which of course = FOUR) and I am really (really, really) unsure how all this extra instruction helps the game.

The game should be about PLAYERS doing what players do...not coaches turning everything into some kind of stoppages chess game.

[Ghost Dog]

The LED board is indicative of AFL silliness. Knowing the cost, and health and safety issues, wouldn't you do a proper analysis?
I actually enjoy trying to figure out which former player the runner is...

[Mofra]

The LED board is indicative of AFL silliness. Knowing the cost, and health and safety issues, wouldn't you do a proper analysis?
I actually enjoy trying to figure out which former player the runner is...
St Kilda ditched it for a giant coloured red board for red time.

We use a dice system. Sometimes simpler is better.

[bornadog]

Because there is no one to enforce them.

You could argue (and some did) that games were influenced last year by the continuous on-ground presence of one runner in particular. What can anyone actually DO about it? Tell the umpires to...well, do WHAT exactly? Tell them to leave the field of play? Well, that's what happens...then they come straight back on and do it again.

Players are not idiots...TEACH them...or get them off and COACH them.

In the talent pathway, we have 2x runners on the field at a time (which of course = FOUR) and I am really (really, really) unsure how all this extra instruction helps the game.

The game should be about PLAYERS doing what players do...not coaches turning everything into some kind of stoppages chess game.

You Make some good points, but I don’t see what was wrong with the current system

[bornadog]

AFL won't budge on runners or 50-metre penalty rule despite coach concerns (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-won-t-budge-on-runners-or-50-metre-penalty-rule-despite-coach-concerns-20190312-p513ln.html)

[G-Mo77]

Players should be able to follow instructions and know what to do anyway. They're supposed to be pros. As much as I can't stand the current AFL leaders I have no issue with keeping these seagulls off the ground.

[bornadog]

Players should be able to follow instructions and know what to do anyway. They're supposed to be pros. As much as I can't stand the current AFL leaders I have no issue with keeping these seagulls off the ground.

If that is the case why have runners at all?

There are 18 players on the ground and 4 on the bench which is difficult to control. When was the last time a runner actually effected any one of us watching a game?

[G-Mo77]

Why have them? Help with interchange. Go on ask player to sub next chance, get off the ground.

[MrMahatma]

If that is the case why have runners at all?

There are 18 players on the ground and 4 on the bench which is difficult to control. When was the last time a runner actually effected any one of us watching a game?

The last real match played - the GF.

[bornadog]

Time the AFL admit they made a mistake. After sitting next to the interchange bench yesterday and saw many players frustrated they couldn't get on the ground, I think it is time to re-en state them.

For the life of me, I don't know why they changed the rule, and don't tell me it is because they were on the ground too long - that can be stopped.

[Twodogs]

Time the AFL admit they made a mistake. After sitting next to the interchange bench yesterday and saw many players frustrated they couldn't get on the ground, I think it is time to re-en state them.

For the life of me, I don't know why they changed the rule, and don't tell me it is because they were on the ground too long - that can be stopped.

I genuinely don't see the problem If players making multiple hundreds of thousands if dollars cant sort themselves out to come on and off the ground between them then perhaps they should find themselves a proper job. You know, the sort the rest of us have where we have to make decisions and take responsibility for them.

The senior players should be taking the responsibility. The AFL do plenty of stupid, pigheaded things but this is an issue that should be easily fixed bu player groups.

[GVGjr]

Time the AFL admit they made a mistake. After sitting next to the interchange bench yesterday and saw many players frustrated they couldn't get on the ground, I think it is time to re-en state them.

For the life of me, I don't know why they changed the rule, and don't tell me it is because they were on the ground too long - that can be stopped.

Are you saying that is solely because of not having runners on the ground? I have seen that happening in recent years as well

[bornadog]

Are you saying that is solely because of not having runners on the ground? I have seen that happening in recent years as well

I watched the players on the bench yelling and screaming to players on the field, but is was evident they couldn't hear. If we had the runner they could quickly go out and get the message across.

eg. Dunkley and Wallis were standing there for more than 5 minutes and couldn't get on.

[GVGjr]

I watched the players on the bench yelling and screaming to players on the field, but is was evident they couldn't hear. If we had the runner they could quickly go out and get the message across.

eg. Dunkley and Wallis were standing there for more than 5 minutes and couldn't get on.

You also noticed Macrae shaking off a request to come off, how does a runner change that?

[bornadog]

You also noticed Macrae shaking off a request to come off, how does a runner change that?

I guess if the runner is relaying the message form the coach, they may act differently.

[Twodogs]

I guess if the runner is relaying the message form the coach, they may act differently.

Or they might just steer clear of the runner when they know what the message is. The runner runs to one side of the ground and the player just runs to the other side. It's a simple way to not get the message and TBH i'd prefer the method we have now without 50, 000 people on the ground clogging up play.

[GVGjr]

I guess if the runner is relaying the message form the coach, they may act differently.

But he may not, these are professional athletes who should be able to make the decision if they should stay on the ground.

Players coming onto the ground are acting as runners because they are often issuing instructions on how the match-ups should be.
I've noticed 2 ex Hawks doing it most of the season in Duryea and Suckling when they have been available and of course leaders like Wood, Wallis, Crozier, Dunkley and Bontempelli etc are also delivering messages.

And while I'm at it, last year I've seen players ready to come back on for 3 or 4 minutes and more but they can't because the ball is on the other side of the ground. A runner won't change that

I don't think it's as bad as some seem to think. I can however, see why it would frustrate a coach but the challenge for them now is that they need to prepare and educate the players better.

I know not many people like change but I think the 6 6 6 rule is working and I'm happy enough to give this one with the runners a season to play out.