AFL Football Operations Manager Steve Hocking today said the AFL had suspended Port Adelaide Football Club runner Chad Cornes for one week for a breach of the rules regarding runners.

Mr Hocking said Cornes had been suspended from his role after he had sworn at North Melbourne player Todd Goldstein at close range, following an on-field collision between Goldstein and Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines near the interchange area during last week’s round six match played at Etihad Stadium.

The exchange was reported by the AFL’s match day manager.

Under AFL rules, club runners are prohibited from any interaction with umpires or opposition players. It was the AFL’s view that Cornes’ actions had the potential to escalate an on-field incident and was a major breach of his role.

The club may operate with a replacement runner for his suspension.