THE AFL will trial an increase in access to runners during this year's Marsh Community Series in the first sign of potential shift before the season proper.  

In rules introduced last year, runners were only allowed to enter the field immediately after a goal but make their way from the ground ahead the next centre bounce.

However, in a memo released to clubs on Tuesday and seen by AFL.com.au, clubs were informed of two different trials that will be implemented during the pre-season competition. 

The latest experiment – which will be used to determine any alterations to the home and away season – will allow for further runner interaction. 

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During the opening round of the Marsh Series starting February 20 – where every team plays once across two weeks – runners will be allowed to enter the field of play twice for a maximum of 90 seconds per quarter.

Then during the third weekend of the Marsh Series – where all 18 teams will play – runners will be capped at three messages per quarter for 60 seconds each.   

The extra allowances per quarter are in addition to the 2019 rules that will remain in place where runners can enter the field of play immediately after a goal. 

While runners can still enter following a goal, they cannot use their extra two or three entries per quarter in the final three minutes of each term. 

"After a season review and additional feedback from coaches and clubs, we will trial increased access to runners through the Marsh Community Series," an AFL spokesperson said. 

"This will be limited on a per quarter basis." 

Several coaches and players – including Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge and Essendon star Dylan Shiel – voiced strong opinion on the reduction of runners during last year's pre-season competition.

While clubs threw down the gauntlet for a backflip on the eve of the season, the rules were upheld for the entire premiership season.