Rules clarification: why, when the ball goes out of bounds, is it sometimes thrown back in by the ref, and sometimes a team gets a free kick? Californian here trying to understand this. I've watched afl off and on over the years, and I read the newbie guide but it didn't explain this, except to say it's a free kick when it's deliberately kicked out.

Like in the 2nd quarter of the Fremantle vs Hawthorn game the guy with the ball was tackled out of bounds and Fremantle got a free kick, scored a goal and went ahead.

It seems inconsistent, but I'm sure I just don't understand a rule!

Thanks!