Sydney coach John Longmire has launched a fresh attack on the AFL’s controversial runner laws, saying you don’t have to be Einstein to know they are bad.
The Swans boss hopes that sanity prevails and the crackdown on runners is reversed, but he’s not sure if the AFL will admit they were wrong.
Longmire has been one of the most vocal coaches in airing the widespread displeasure at the AFL’s new restrictions on runners.
Under laws introduced this year, runners are only allowed to enter the field of play when a goal is scored, and they must return to the bench before the next centre bounce.
Last month, Longmire pondered whether Lance Franklin’s hamstring injury was caused by the runner restrictions.
And he launched a fresh attack on the new laws following his team’s one-point loss to Fremantle on Saturday night.
Sydney conceded two behinds in the final two minutes to suffer the heartbreaking 7.10 (52) to 7.9 (51) loss.
Longmire said “you don’t have to be Einstein” to see the rules should be changed back.
“I’d love it to (go back to) what it was. I’m not sure they (the AFL) will say they were wrong,” Longmire said.
“I just hope some sanity prevails. Coaches aren’t there to completely ruin the game. When you’ve got a really young team, you’d like to be able to help them a bit.
“We’ve got young kids out there running around – three teenagers tonight – running around thinking about everything in the game, including just trying to get their hands on the footy, plus doing the rotations themselves and thinking through some of the situations.
“It’s been an issue for us this year. We’ve been the youngest couple (of teams) almost every round this year.”
Longmire said the experience of losing a tight game will teach his young players invaluable lessons.
Sydney lost the clearance battle 45-23 against the Dockers, with debutant ruckman Hayden McLean (16 hitouts, 13 disposals) overpowered by Fremantle’s giant trio of Aaron Sandilands, Sean Darcy and Rory Lobb.
The Swans (6-11) face a tough task to snap their three-game losing streak against ladder leaders Geelong at the SCG next Sunday.
Aw
Guest
You can have him after he has finished destroying us. The blind,deaf fools that run the club wont let him go
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
We'll swap you if you hate him so much, great coach
Aw
Guest
His coaching doesn't give the swans much of a chance anyway. Constantly outcoached, his time is up or should have been up. And the players he has dont have the skills to follow his coaching. Too defensive and way too inefficient in attack
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
The problem, Aw, is that Longmire's coaching didn't get much of a chance. That's his point. I think you missed it.
Nick
Guest
I love not having a hundred runners interfering with the game. Can they now stop the stupid waiting for 30 seconds for the ads to finish on the tele. Was at a game the other week and the umpire had the ball, the players were ready but were all watching the screen for 23 seconds to start the game.
User
Roar Rookie
Hammered that one home haha
Gavan Iacono
Roar Rookie
All mine actually, comrade. Good advice for a guy named Horse, no?
User
Roar Rookie
Sounds like lyrics off brave murder day mate or any katatonia besides dance of December souls.
Gavan Iacono
Roar Rookie
An addiction. Cold turkey. Another year, will be forgotten.
George Apps
Roar Rookie
I think he's right and he makes a legitimate statement.
Aw
Guest
The players and your coaching lost you the game, longmire. Nothing to do with the runners. Stop making pathetic excuses. Just accept the fact that you are outdated and that the players may never be good enough