GEELONG does not consider itself unlucky to have the worst free kick differential after round 15.
The Cats have given away 61 more free kicks than their opposition throughout 2015, the trend continuing on Saturday night against North Melbourne when they gave away 13 more free kicks than the Kangaroos.
To put that differential into context, Fremantle had the worst differential last season with minus 63, so the Cats aren't in extreme territory but their coach Chris Scott said they are not ignoring the problem.
"We actually don't think we're unlucky. We don't think things are going against us. We don't think it is a rub of the green thing," Scott said.
More Numbers Game with Peter Ryan
The numbers don't lie with the Cats recording a positive free kick count in just four games this season.
They are conceding an average of four free kicks in the forward 50 (the most in the competition) and an average of 14.2 free kicks in the midfield (second most).
"We think it is a combination of a lack of discipline at times, some poor technique and probably it's closely linked to our poor performances around the contest at times," Scott said.
Being second to the ball at the contest is one thing, but whether to risk giving away a free kick from that position is often a decision a player can make.
The Cats give away more free kicks in 2015 than any other team for holding the man (4.8 free kicks per game when the AFL average is 3.3 per team per game) and are second in the game for pushing in the back (3.9 per game, AFL average 3).
Scott calls on a football truism to explain possible reasons why Geelong is suffering in this area.
"Generally the player first into the ball gets protection from the umpires," Scott said.
The Cats also give away more free kicks in general play than any other side.
The harshest interpretation would suggest teams that give away more free kicks are caring less about the detail, becoming untidy and paying the price.
Scott isn't prepared to be definitive given it's impossible to do so in relation to free kicks.
"Those numbers are black and white. The reason for them is a bit more complicated," Scott said.
"The easy way out and the soft option is to say we've been a bit unfortunate. I don't think that is the case."
Free Kick Differential
2015: Geelong -61 (ranked 18th)
Worst Differentials 2011-2014
2014: Fremantle -63
2013: Brisbane -69
2012: Brisbane -50
2011: Haw / Rich -46
Stats supplied by Champion Data
