JOEL Selwood and Lindsay Thomas might be easy targets when it comes to singling out players who draw high free kicks in tackles, but Anthony Miles has received more per game since the statistic was first introduced.
Miles - the 23-year-old Richmond revelation who debuted for the Tigers in round 12 last season - hasn't played anywhere near as many games as Selwood and Thomas in the past two-and-a-half seasons.
But since the statistic of free kicks drawn for high contact in tackles started being recorded in 2013, he's racked up 39 in 23 matches.
That averages out to be 1.7 per game, whereas Selwood's average comes in at 1.52 (a total of 85 free kicks drawn from 56 matches).
The last time Miles played a game without drawing a high free kick in a tackle was in round one this season.
It's been a bit longer for Selwood, with the Geelong skipper drawing at least one every game since round 12, 2014.
The issue came to light again this week when Gold Coast development coach Matthew Lappin said Thomas's "post match meal would have to be duck risotto" after the North Melbourne forward drew three high contact frees against Essendon on Friday night.
Thomas was able to see the lighter side of the situation, posting a photo on Instagram of him enjoying a bowl of the dish with the caption "Enjoying my duck risotto thanks for the tip guys #postgamedinner".
On Wednesday, North coach Brad Scott said Thomas should ignore criticism that he ducks his head to milk free kicks.
"We don't want him playing for free kicks as such but we do want him challenging the tackler, and if the tackler doesn't employ the correct technique and Lindsay is able to draw a high free kick, so be it,” Scott said.
"We'll continue to get our players to challenge the opposition tacklers.”
Thomas' average per game is actually less than four other players in the competition.
With Miles and Selwood leading the charge, Brisbane Lions recruit Allen Christensen comes in next with an average of 1.14 over the past two-and-a-half seasons.
Dual Hawthorn premiership player Paul Puopolo is next with an average of 0.75, before Thomas at 0.66.
Then, it's Richmond captain Trent Cotchin at 0.65.
Indicative of where Thomas plays, 21 of the 33 free kicks awarded to him for that reason since 2013 have been inside the forward 50.
The last game he played in where he didn't draw one was in the preliminary final against the Sydney Swans last year.
Christensen is another who has drawn a number inside the attacking arc, with 16 of his 41 free kicks coming near goal, while Puopolo (14/40) also has a trend inside 50.
HIGH CONTACT FREE KICKS DRAWN IN TACKLES (2013-2015)
Individual players
Joel Selwood: 85
Allen Christensen: 41
Paul Puopolo: 40
Anthony Miles: 39
Trent Cotchin: 34
Lindsay Thomas: 33
Competition per game average
2015: 3.4 per game
2014: 3.1 per game
2013: 3.2 per game
* This specific statistic has only been recorded since 2013 - before this time, all 'high contact' frees were grouped in together (marking contests, bumps, etc.) This is specifically when tackled.
