Fremantle youngster Bailey Banfield admits life as a tagger can be stressful, and he's keen to avoid any more pain to the hip pocket.
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The emergence of Banfield has been a huge bonus for Fremantle this season, with the 20-year-old impressing in his role as a tough run-with player.
Banfield, who was overlooked in last year's national draft before being snapped up by the Dockers as a rookie, has played every game this season.
And his efforts to limit some of the AFL's best midfielders has even led to calls for him to be included in the All-Australian conversation.
But like most taggers, Banfield has pushed the boundaries this season, and has already been fined on three occasions.
Banfield was fined $1000 for making contact with injured Gold Coast player Aaron Hall in round three.
He copped a $1500 whack for misconduct against Bulldogs star Shaun Higgins in round five.
And he was fined another $1000 for wrestling St Kilda's Jack Steven in round eight.
"(There's been) three separate incidents, which is a bit unfortunate," Banfield said.
"But I've learnt from each one, and it's something that I'm looking to get out of my game."
Banfield could be given the tagging job on Brisbane star Dayne Beams in Sunday's clash at Optus Stadium.
The first-year player says he doesn't normally find out whether he will be tagging someone until later in the week.
Banfield described his season so far as a dream, but said the life of a tagger was a tough one.
"It is stressful, knowing you're coming up against the best players in the comp," Banfield said.
"You're tagging them for a reason. It is definitely a stressful experience, but you learn that much from it."
Banfield said he was flattered by comments from North Melbourne great David King earlier this season calling for the tagger to be included in All-Australian conversations.
"It's hard to avoid that sort of stuff (when) mates are sending it to you and that sort of thing," Banfield said.
"But you don't focus on it too much. Really blokes like that outside the club don't have as much information as what your coaches do.
"So you try to focus more on what your coaches and other players are saying. And then anything that blokes like Kingy are saying is a bonus."
Fremantle have been buoyed by recent wins over Adelaide and Carlton, and have the perfect chance to make it three victories in a row against struggling Brisbane.
Australian Associated Press
