"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."

So said Pablo Picasso, who rewrote the rulebook on ways of seeing several times during his long life.

Among his many phases was the biomorphism of Blue Acrobat, a painting in which the blue free-form figure is constricted within the painting's tight parameters.

It's no different for AFL footballers whose weekly existence is a paradox of free movement restrained by countless rules.

Sadly, this week the situation got to Geelong coach Chris Scott, whose frustration at his team's poor 2016 free-kick tally got the better of him.

It's a curious position given that his superstar captain Joel Selwood received the most frees of any player in 2015.

Mabye his opponents can't tell his arms from his legs, though it's probably simply the case that Selwood keeps his eyes on the ball.