‘A life-saving decision’: The untold stories of footy’s most peculiar job
In a notorious 1985 match, Collingwood player John Bourke was suspended for kicking an umpire and a fan. Mark McKeon, the runner tasked with calming Bourke, recalled the incident fondly despite its chaos. The role of runners in Australian rules football has evolved, becoming a critical link between coaches and players, yet remains uniquely quirky.
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Published 27 Jun 2026, 19:30 UTC · Updated 27 Jun 2026, 19:40 UTC
Summary by OZbrief Editorial. Original report: SMH. Editorial policy · Corrections
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