The AFL Free Kick Ladder: A Deep Dive into Round 21
The AFL Free Kick Ladder is a fascinating metric that provides insight into the balance of free kicks between teams. In Round 21, the numbers tell a story of lopsided counts and dramatic shifts in fortunes.
One of the most notable aspects of this round was the massive disparity in free kicks between Collingwood and Geelong. Collingwood received a staggering 24 frees, while Geelong managed just 7, resulting in a differential of 17. This is the largest discrepancy for the 2026 season, surpassing the previous record of 16 from the West Coast vs. GWS game in Round 10.
Despite the lopsided count, Geelong emerged victorious by 25 points. This highlights the importance of free kicks in the game, as they can significantly impact the outcome of matches.
The Free Kick Ladder itself showcases some intriguing trends. St Kilda (+38) and Sydney (+33) lead the way with the best differentials, while GWS Giants (-96) and Gold Coast (-48) find themselves at the bottom of the table. The Giants, in particular, have struggled, winning just three free kick counts in 20 matches, and their home record is even more concerning, with a -43 differential in nine games.
The ladder also reveals the teams with the most and least frees. Sydney leads with 428 frees, while GWS Giants have the fewest at 325. Interestingly, the top five teams in terms of frees received are all Victorian clubs, while the bottom three are interstate teams.
This Round 21 saw a shift in the dynamics of the Free Kick Ladder. St Kilda maintained their top spot, but Sydney (+33) and Adelaide (+23) are close behind. Geelong (+17) dropped to fourth, while Port Adelaide (+13) completes the top five. At the other end of the table, the Giants (-96) and Gold Coast (-48) remain in the same positions, with West Coast (-18), North Melbourne (-9), and Carlton (-8) not far behind.
In summary, Round 21 of the AFL Free Kick Ladder presented a fascinating insight into the game's dynamics. The lopsided counts between Collingwood and Geelong, the struggles of the GWS Giants, and the shifting fortunes of the teams in the ladder all contribute to a captivating narrative. As the season progresses, the Free Kick Ladder will continue to provide valuable insights into the strategies and performances of the AFL clubs.
