Patrick Dangerfield has called on umpires to take the lead against players who stage for high-contact free kicks.

In his weekend column, the Cats’ midfielder argued as long as umpires continue to reward players who use their head to gain a free kick, the trend will continue.

“For the good of the game and the long-term health of players, umpires need to put away the whistle when it comes to high-contact free kicks,” Dangerfield said.

“Stop paying the free kicks that are generated by players who lower their heads and drive into opponents because you know what will happen — we will all adapt.”

The 26-year-old also argues the practice increases the risk of players sustaining concussion.

“Concussion is a serious issue in the AFL and we’re seeing more and more players seriously affected by it,” he wrote.

“We have to stop the mentality of players searching for high contact by using their heads because as long as we’re rewarding it with a free kick, we’re encouraging it.

“Rather than go harder at it from an umpiring perspective, maybe we back off and say, ‘You’re not going to be rewarded for it and it’s for the good of us.’”