Tagging ‘a team effort’

DILIGENT analysis, expert advice from Ryan Crowley, footy smarts and the support of teammates have helped GWS veteran Matt de Boer become arguably the AFL’s top tagger.

De Boer will need all that and more at Giants Stadium today, should he be asked to curb the immense influence of Carlton’s Patrick Cripps.

Regarding a potential match-up with Cripps, de Boer highlighted the threats posed by a stack of Carlton midfielders but admitted their captain was a player who has “certainly got it all”.

Renowned for his selfless streak, the consummate clubman suggested tagging is an easy word to use but not reflective of GWS’s shutdown jobs this year. “I don’t run off with my direct opponent and I get massive help from all the boys, it really is a team approach,” de Boer said.