THE RECENT success of the tagger hasn't changed Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge's philosophy on the tactic.
Collingwood's Levi Greenwood was lauded for his run-with role in restricting Geelong superstar Joel Selwood in the Magpies' shock win over the Cats last Sunday.
With the Bulldogs to host a Richmond side including in-form midfielder Dustin Martin on Saturday night, Beveridge said he'd be initially sticking with a team-first approach to limiting the destructive Tiger's impact.
"We'll do our best to control (Martin) as a midfield group, but we'll monitor how he's going and whether or not we need to put a bit more time into him," Beveridge said on Thursday morning.
'We'll need to pay some attention to Dusty, but they've got some very, very good midfielders in their captain (Trent Cotchin) and obviously Prestia has come on board.
"None of those (tagging) performances change my philosophy, (but) they make you think, there's no doubt about it.
"At times we've deployed that sort of approach, but it's not our mantra, it's not our plan A usually."
The premiership coach has a selection headache ahead of the Etihad Stadium clash, with midfielder Tom Liberatore (concussion), defender Matthew Boyd (back) and ruckman Tom Campbell all available.
A Shane Mumford tackle forced Liberatore from game with concussion early in the last quarter of the Dogs' loss to Greater Western Sydney last Friday night.
A back complaint saw Boyd miss the trip to Canberra, while Campbell injured his ankle at training the day before the game.
Beveridge heaped praise on midfielders Bailey Williams and Bailey Dale after they came into the side as replacements, but admitted "there might be or two stiff lads" to be omitted.
Mitch Wallis (broken leg) and Tory Dickson (abdominal) are both highly likely to play in the VFL again after injury lay-offs, but their return to the field produces a healthy competition for spots at Whitten Oval.
"(Both Baileys) did well, they both had good games, and there is some pressure on there for spots," Beveridge said.
"Mitch Wallis playing really well first up, (midfielder) Lukas Webb continues to play extremely well at VFL level, and others.
"We've got a few headaches selection wise and it's up to us to get them right."
The club also announced a three-year partnership with global automotive manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia.
As principal partner for the 2018 season and beyond, the company's logo will feature on the back of the Bulldogs' guernsey, with Mission Foods remaining on the front of the guernsey as the major partner of the club.
