THE STRICTER interpretation of deliberate out of bounds has resulted in a significant decrease in free kicks paid under the rule in 2017 as players make increased efforts to keep the ball in play.

The contentious rule has attracted criticism this season as umpires take a hardline stance on kicks that travel out of bounds, but the AFL believes the new interpretation is "tracking the right way".

A comparison of free kick statistics in the opening nine rounds of 2016 and 2017 has revealed a decrease in deliberate out of bounds decisions from 138 at this stage last year to 103 this year. 

The Brisbane Lions and Greater Western Sydney have given away an AFL-high 10 deliberate out of bounds free kicks each, while five clubs have given away just three.

A number of trends are revealed in the Champion Data statistics, including a decrease in overall free kicks from 20.2 a game in 2016 to 18.4 a game in 2017.

Overall there were 333 fewer free kicks paid in the opening nine rounds of 2017, with two fewer matches played because of Gold Coast and Port Adelaide's bye.

Richmond is revealed as the least disciplined team in the AFL, giving away 206 free kicks compared to 18th-ranked Collingwood's 132.

The Magpies have also given away the equal fewest goals from free kicks (eight) alongside St Kilda, with Gold Coast paying the heftiest price for its free kicks against, conceding 25 goals as a direct result.

Fremantle has given away an AFL-high 12 50m penalties, ahead of Adelaide and GWS (11), with West Coast the most disciplined team, giving away just three.

The contentious holding the ball and incorrect disposal rules have seen little variation from 2016 to 2017.

Champion Data has recorded an increase in throwing the ball free kicks from 120 in 2016 to 167 this year.

However, it is not possible to guarantee 100 per cent accuracy when identifying if a free kick has been paid for holding the ball or incorrect disposal.

When the two categories are combined, there was just one fewer free kick paid in the opening nine rounds of 2017 (846) compared to last year, with an average of 5.28 a game.

There has been a sizable decrease in free kicks paid for high tackles in 2017, with a drop from 779 in 2016 to 571 this year (3.6 a game).

High tackles were the most common free kicks paid last year (4.8 a game), but they have been overtaken by holding the ball this year.

Snapshot of free kicks this year