The AFL has told clubs runners may only permitted to enter the playing arena after goals and at quarter breaks during the home and away season, with the league set to implement a rule trial during the upcoming pre-season series.

A memo sent recently to clubs, part of which has been seen by The Age, mandates a trial for runners during this year’s JLT Community Series, and leaves the door ajar for the rule change to be implemented for good during the premiership season.

Fremantle runner Shaun Tinsley twice conceded free kicks for being too close to the play in the Dockers' match against Geelong in 2014. Credit:Channel Seven

The memo dictates that each club will be allowed one runner, and that “runners will only be permitted to enter the playing arena after a goal has been signalled and at the breaks”.

It adds that “runners must be off the playing arena (or clearly making their way off) at the centre bounce after a goal”.