The case for using a tagger next season

[Dry Rot]

We have seen the effective use of taggers over the finals this season. Neale, Oliver, de Goey and others have had their influence on the game sharply reduced.

The Dogs have not been using taggers.

Why not?

Should we next season? If so, who are the best choices?

[Mitcha]

We currently don't have anyone capable on our list but wouldn't be against a dash at delisted free agent Daniel Howe from the Hawks.No world beater but a big body who has been used in that type of role previously. Rookie list possibility?

[hujsh]

We currently don't have anyone capable on our list but wouldn't be against a dash at delisted free agent Daniel Howe from the Hawks.No world beater but a big body who has been used in that type of role previously. Rookie list possibility?

Arguably McLean

[Dry Rot]

West?

[GVGjr]

We absolutely should look at using taggers or run with players next season and especially have a close look at how Geelong countered Neale in the PF.

I really hope we are considering it. I like the Howe suggestion. McLean might be a chance for it.

[Vred]

We currently don't have anyone capable on our list but wouldn't be against a dash at delisted free agent Daniel Howe from the Hawks.No world beater but a big body who has been used in that type of role previously. Rookie list possibility?

I remember McLean doing some tagging before the string of ACL's, something I reckon he could do well if developed into this role.

[Mitcha]

All eggs in McLean basket, limited tagging experience, coming off 2 ACLs, what's plan B?

[GVGjr]

All eggs in McLean basket, limited tagging experience, coming off 2 ACLs, what's plan B?

You say that like there is ever a plan B :)
Could McNeil, West or Williams be considered? What about Roarke Smith? It's a long shot but could Lachlan Sullivan be a run with player at the AFL level?

I think we would need to recruit someone specifically if those options aren't likely to be good enough.

[Ozza]

I do think we need to address the way the oppositions best mids are killing us.

Even looking at the brownlow last night....in matches we lost, the following players got 3 votes against us...

Rd 1: Petracca
Rd 2: Cripps
Rd 4: Prestia
Rd 8: Boak
Rd 15: Neale
Rd 16: Mills
Rd 20: Dangerfield

[Axe Man]

I do think we need to address the way the oppositions best mids are killing us.

Even looking at the brownlow last night....in matches we lost, the following players got 3 votes against us...

Rd 1: Petracca
Rd 2: Cripps
Rd 4: Prestia
Rd 8: Boak
Rd 15: Neale
Rd 16: Mills
Rd 20: Dangerfield

I get what you are saying but in matches you lose an opposition midfielder is probably a 90% chance to get the 3 votes.

If you don't have the right player there is no point shoe-horning someone into the 22 as a tagger, I think that's a net loss. There are still stings that can be pulled though - the cats team effort against Neale a case in point.

[Mofra]

Libba as a run-with player?
It's in his genes but let's not forget - his role on Kennedy in the 2nd half of the 2016 GF was hugely important.

[Axe Man]

Libba as a run-with player?
It's in his genes but let's not forget - his role on Kennedy in the 2nd half of the 2016 GF was hugely important.

With Dunkley gone we need Libba extracting more than ever, not worrying about what an opposition midfielder is doing. Also outside the contest Libba would get torched by some of the quicker mids.

[Mofra]

With Dunkley gone we need Libba extracting more than ever, not worrying about what an opposition midfielder is doing. Also outside the contest Libba would get torched by some of the quicker mids.
How often does that happen though? Pre-leg break Wallis did some excellent tagging jobs for us and with all due respect to Wally, I think every player on our list has him covered for pace.

Mclean has been nominated by a few and he doesn't look particularly quick post-ACL either.

[Ozza]

I get what you are saying but in matches you lose an opposition midfielder is probably a 90% chance to get the 3 votes.

If you don't have the right player there is no point shoe-horning someone into the 22 as a tagger, I think that's a net loss. There are still stings that can be pulled though - the cats team effort against Neale a case in point.

Yep 100% I get it. I just think we go into games knowing what could beat us, and don't often do a decisive job at trying to stop it. Petracca killed us back to back.....Cripps has killed us at times, but when we've beaten them - either Macrae or Dunkley have "put time into him" (as they like to say).

Dangerfield torches us every time....

Its just so predictable.
I don't think we just necessarily carry a tagger in there every week. But we undoubtedly have to do more.
Dunkley leaving hurts us for options. For all the talk about our deep midfield - we actually seriously lack defensive skills in there. Macrae, Smith, Libba - they are ball hunters and clearance players. Treloar refuses defend. And Bont is our best player (but does it all).
The Dunkley loss is very frustrating because for all of his faults with ball in hand, he actually defends.

[Topdog]

We should try and use a tagger but we certainly dont need to look to recruit one.

A tagger is really just someone that is willing to sacrifice their game for the greater good. We have a lot of players that could do it if asked.

[bornadog]

We should try and use a tagger but we certainly dont need to look to recruit one.

A tagger is really just someone that is willing to sacrifice their game for the greater good. We have a lot of players that could do it if asked.

I would add, the tagger should also be able to influence the game as well, once they get on top of their opponent

[azabob]

I would add, the tagger should also be able to influence the game as well, once they get on top of their opponent

Has a recent player been able to that consistently?

[GVGjr]

I would add, the tagger should also be able to influence the game as well, once they get on top of their opponent

George Hewett is one that does that role on occasions for Carlton.

[Mantis]

With Dunkley gone we need Libba extracting more than ever, not worrying about what an opposition midfielder is doing. Also outside the contest Libba would get torched by some of the quicker mids.

Cameron Ling had no leg speed at all, but was super effective as a run with player. You just need discipline and to use your body effectively around the contest to keep your opponent in check.

[Axe Man]

How often does that happen though? Pre-leg break Wallis did some excellent tagging jobs for us and with all due respect to Wally, I think every player on our list has him covered for pace.

Mclean has been nominated by a few and he doesn't look particularly quick post-ACL either.


Cameron Ling had no leg speed at all, but was super effective as a run with player. You just need discipline and to use your body effectively around the contest to keep your opponent in check.

It's not just leg speed but also ability to cover the ground which concerns me with Libba's aging knees. But really that's only a minor concern for mine because I reckon the best way to stop an opposition midfielder getting their hands on it is Libba getting his hands on it first.

There are times when we need to clamp down on an opposition mid and there may be some mids that Libba could do a job on in that instance, but I don't think Libba as a tagger should ever be our plan A.

[F'scary]

Don't waste our best ball winners and users on tagging roles. However, if we are going to play low possession ball butchers like McComb and McNeil, for example, they should just be hard tag players who get suspended every now and then. If one of them can reduce a star like Lachie Neal's output by around 33% of their average output (which would equate to around 10 kicks/handballs if the average is 30 per game) and they themselves have 0 possession, let's say, then that is better than if they are allowed to free range or zone around like they usually do where they get around 10 possessions, all costly clangers.