Not all pain is created equal in fantasy footy — but the tag is right up there. One minute your POD is flying, the next he’s glued to the hip of some second-string midfielder with nothing to do but ruin dreams. lets get into the AFL Tagging Trends.

So who’s been unleashing the clampers in 2025? Who’s just pretending? Let’s break it down by team, using actual tagging data and average score impact.

2025 AFL Tagging Trends -Too Long didn't read:

Who Cops It?

When it comes to being hunted, a few fantasy favourites have worn the tag like a bullseye. Nick Daicos leads the pack, copping tags from Carlton, Fremantle, Melbourne, and Sydney — averaging a -12.6 point impact, though he’s shown he can still score through the squeeze on occasion. Zak Butters has also been a magnet, with four tags and an average drop of -19.5 points, including a brutal -52.2 from Geelong’s clamp. Zach Merrett wasn’t far behind, copping three tags and managing a mixed bag, from a -45.1 disaster to a +31.9 breakout, averaging a -4.3 net impact. Meanwhile, Noah Anderson continues to be a popular target, tagged three times for a -17.2 average, struggling more often than not. Overall, while a few stars fought through the clamps, the tag remains a massive scoring handbrake for even the elite.

Sydney Swans

Tags Used: 10

Average Score Impact: -15.8

The Swans have gone full pest-mode, tagging more than anyone this season — with James Jordon leading the charge and Angus Sheldrick chipping in. They’ve had some monster hits (like -53.4 on Lachie Neale) and even clipped premium defenders late. If you see Jordon warming up near your mid, it’s panic stations.

🧠 Verdict: The league’s most committed taggers. Avoid starting premium mids against the Swans unless you enjoy punishment.

Port Adelaide

Tags Used: 9

Average Score Impact: -5.1

Port have mixed it up with Drew and Bergman doing the dirty work, and while they’ve used the tag often, the damage has been… inconsistent. Some tags have been useless (+23 on Jai Newcombe), others brutal (-31 on Dawson).

🧠 Verdict: Port tag often, but their blokes can’t always follow through. Risky matchups, but not always lethal.

GWS Giants

Tags Used: 7

Average Score Impact: -8.8

Toby Bedford had an early-season run of tags before getting banged up. The tags have generally worked — a nice -40 on Jack Macrae stands out. But consistency has wavered, and more recently, the Giants have just let opponents play.

🧠 Verdict: Bedford tags = duck and cover. No Bedford? You’re probably sweet.

Fremantle Dockers

Tags Used: 6

Average Score Impact: -16.9

Nathan O’Driscoll, Wagner, and Warner have all had a crack, and Freo’s tags have been brutal. Merrett copped a -45, Daicos a -40 — that’s serious suppression. When they tag, it’s not for fun.

🧠 Verdict: Quiet assassins. If Wagner is named and your mid lines up against Freo, you’ve got problems.

Geelong Cats

Tags Used: 6

Average Score Impact: -16.8

Mark O’Connor and Oisin Mullin have rotated in the tagging chair, and the Cats have seen some big results — Zak Butters was suffocated to just 46 (-52!). But occasionally the tag gets shrugged after half-time.

🧠 Verdict: When Geelong commit to a tag, it works. Tag risk is high, especially for high-possession players.

St Kilda Saints

Tags Used: 6

Average Score Impact: -3.2

Marcus Windhager is the clear go-to, and he’s been decent — but not always effective. Some tags get shrugged quickly, others hold. They've used it early in matches before dropping off. Was hard watching him Clamp Bont

Verdict: Tags are coming — just maybe not for four quarters. Lower-tier disruption.

Melbourne Demons

Tags Used: 5

Average Score Impact: -5.4

Tom Sparrow and Ed Langdon have done the dirty work. Mixed results here — Sparrow clamped Holmes, then got cooked by Merrett. Langdon has been more effective on the outside types.

🧠 Verdict: Tags are real, especially against wings/outside mids. Pick with caution.

Hawthorn Hawks

Tags Used: 3

Average Score Impact: -6.6

Finn Maginness is their guy, and while he doesn't go every week, when he does — he’s locked in. A -40 on Finn Callaghan was clinical. Others escaped once the game blew out.

🧠 Verdict: Maginness tag incoming = downgrade your expectations. Don’t ignore it.

North Melbourne

Tags Used: 3

Average Score Impact: -15.1

A mixed bag of Parker and Tucker delivering occasional tags — with big impact. Heeney copped one for -17.8, and Rozee got a forward tag that held him just enough.

🧠 Verdict: North don’t tag often, but when they do, they go full restrictor plate.

Carlton Blues

Tags Used: 3

Average Score Impact: -24.4

George Hewett and Cincotta have both pulled out the clamps this year. And guess what? It’s worked. Nick Daicos, Merrett, and Butters all suffered.

🧠 Verdict: A small sample, but the most effective taggers in the comp. Do not ignore a Blues tag.

Essendon Bombers

Tags Used: 3

Average Score Impact: +4.0

They’ve tried with Durham and Setterfield, but let’s be honest — it’s more “tactical awareness” than real tagging. Oliver and Kelly both beat it easily.

🧠 Verdict: Tags happen but aren’t scary. Your mids are probably safe.

Adelaide Crows

Tags Used: 3

Average Score Impact: -1.1

A mix of Murphy, Michalanney and vibes. Sometimes it’s a defensive forward tag, other times a run-with. It’s inconsistent, and results have been all over the shop.

🧠 Verdict: More nuisance than stopper. If anything, these tags just mildly annoy fantasy coaches.

Final Word

Taggers are alive and well in 2025, and ignoring them is a surefire way to sink your fantasy week. If you're chasing those weekly wins (or just trying to avoid another “you still play fantasy?” roast from your mates), you need to know:

• Sydney, Fremantle, and Geelong: 🚨 Danger zones

• Carlton: Small sample, but deadly.

• Essendon, Adelaide: Tags? More like polite suggestions.

Track team sheets. Watch matchups. And never — ever — trust the Swans with your midfield premiums.

***Credit to DFS Australia for the stats which i have interpreted here.