Following a shocking loss to Hawthorn, St Kilda coach Ross Lyon sends a clear message to the AFL.

Coaches feel like ‘neutered dogs’ as a result of AFL runners’ inability to convey messages on the pitch, according to veteran St Kilda mentor Ross Lyon. In a spirited match, the Saints lost by five points to Hawthorn on Saturday in Launceston, their fourth loss in the previous five meetings. After a few years away from head coaching, Lyon led St Kilda to sixth place the previous season. However, he acknowledged that criticism was probable following a “mundane” performance.

He expressed his annoyance at the limitations imposed on runners who wanted to communicate with players while they were on the pitch. The league loosened regulations regarding runners for 2024, enabling them to deliver messages four times per quarter in addition to following every goal, following discussions with teams.

Yet Lyon thinks more relaxation of the regulations is necessary. After returning to coaching, we have a great deal of responsibility. I’m under a lot of strain,” he remarked. “This is good news for the AFL; it’s not an explanation,”

We’ve played a number of close games. We receive four communications every quarter. I understand that you are unable to dispatch a runner with three minutes remaining. “However, in my earlier incarnations as head coach, you could practically use a runner at will.” The fact that Lyon’s team only kicked seven goals and made few use of its inside-50 entries did not help. “People say you’ll have more opportunities if you kick more goals, but the opportunities are still restricted. That really aggravates me on my end,” he remarked.

“A large number of coaches would concur. Like neutered dogs, we are. As you sit there, things are visible to you, yet you are powerless to fix them. “I’m guessing it’s more than four (per quarter), but I’m not sure what the (ideal) number is.” In 2020, the AFL loosened its regulations regarding runners in response to criticism from coaches Luke Beveridge, Chris Fagan, John Longmire, and Lyon.