Controversy: Ban runners!

[collie dog]

Last night we saw an incident in the final minute that may have robbed Carlton of a win. We have seen it several times this season, especially from the Sydney Swans. It is runners getting into the action to block opposition players from accessng the ball.

Instead of relaying messages to players, these cheats are blocking important lines between the opposition players and the goals. They are acting as additional players in a zone defense.

Last night Robinson was clearly blocked by the Geelong runner from getting the ball and there was no penalty!

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/carlton-coach-mick-malthouse-blasts-umpiring-noncalls-20140607-zs0gf.html

I think this is a disgrace. Our game looks stupid enough with all the extra people on the ground. You don't see it in soccer (unless the ref stops the game and calls aids on).You don't see it in rugby, and you don't see it in American football (because they have time outs).

Clearly some clubs are using this as a loophole. I have seen runners stay on the ground for 10 to 15 minutes. They are either coaching (which should be banned) or they are blocking space. The solution is simple: Ban the runners. The players don't need messages relayed. And you have the technology to wire players to the coaches box now if you want that. Stop the runners from cluttering up an already crowded field.

[MJ23]

Crap.
The ball wasn't even in play.
Had no effect on Robinson getting to the ball.
Rule is a runner can't be in the 50 for a kick out only I believe.
Could argue he was trying to take space but in the minute if play he had no impact at all.
And menzal ran head first iron the Geelong player who was standing there. In this games context there was no way that was a free.

[September Zeros]

Regardless of the topic of runners, this particular " incident" had no impact on the game. Just Carlton fans scratching at the bottom of the barrel for yet another excuse as to why they lost .........again.

[Member 7167]

Any rule that results in the SCUM loosing is a good rule

[watt price tully]

It's terribly disappointing that Carrrrlton was robbed.

[woftam]

[neil]

[ANNODAM]

Welcome to our world, where how many decisions have cost us GF wins over the years, not just regular H&A games!!!

Karma is a bitch & they're getting their just desserts!

[Pies4shaw]

[Big T]

The jack Russell is correct.

Should have been a free on the basis the runner was in a position to impede the play regardless of the situation.

Swans and cats are cheating mongrels whether it be use of runners or ducking and staging.

Ban them.

[thebaldfacts]

[AN_Inkling]

It was pointed out in a Freo game just how long runners were out on the ground for. One of them in particular seemed to be doing a lot of standing around, filling space, and not a lot of message giving.

With such a long game, on such a big field, and with no time outs, you can't ban runners, but we do need to ensure that they are actually giving messages and that they get off the field as quickly as possible.

[SuperStar Beams]

Runners arent allowed to coach so they shouldnt be on the field for as long as they are.
Umpires must start to recognize if they are lingering around or going straight on straight off.
It was Carlton so i dont give a shit but what annoys be is the people saying he was going for the ball, the ball was in the umpires hands at the time

[thebaldfacts]

Wayne Campbell from umpires dept. says Robertson decision correct but Menzel was free for over the shoulder, but umpire didn't see so correct not to guess, given his position.

[neil]