Who’s the real ‘stat man’?

Their bromance is strong, but their banter is stronger and when it comes to stats, Adelaide half-backs Rory Laird and Brodie Smith are in an ongoing debate as to who is more focused on their numbers.

When AFC Media posted a story to its Twitter confirming players would be awarded a disposal when they completely step out of the goal square from a kick-in in 2019, Smith was first to jump on it.

In response, Laird asked for a tally of kick-in stats from 2018, baiting his fellow defender who missed the majority of last season through injury.

Naturally, AFC Media replied with the figures, prompting Smith to predict the stats for the season ahead.

Speaking to media last week, Laird fired back at his defensive partner-in-crime, stating Smith had already made his claim over the kick-ins.

“Brodie’s said don’t even go near the ball, so I think that makes that pretty straight forward,” he said.

“I think most backs would [want the extra stat] to be honest, but especially him [Smith],” he said.

When Laird’s quote was posted to Adelaide’s Instagram profile, the pair were back at it.

The No. 33 responded with “I’d like to speak to the lawyer".

Despite their differences on the matter, Laird has admitted his teammate was likely to take most of the kick-ins this season.

“With Brodie, if he gets a bit of a run up he can he can kick it near the centre circle so if you can do that from a kick in and get it out of your deep 50 then I don’t see why you don’t do that the majority of the time,” he said.

“But if you’ve got players that are clearly on you can chain the ball out then we’ve got that option too.

“I think it’ll be a matter of what he [Smith] wants to do but I dare say he wants to let a few go down the middle.”

As for who will lead the stats this season, only time will tell.