Macaffer has become one of the competition's best run-with players this season, limiting the influence of star players such as Geelong's Steve Johnson, Tiger midfielder Trent Cotchin and on Friday night, Carlton skipper Marc Murphy.
Inadvertently the Magpie has been thrown into the spotlight, making headlines when his run-with tactics were dubbed 'illegal' by Cotchin after round four.
Since then Macaffer has been closely watched by the umpires.
Up against Murphy in Friday night's 34-point win over Carlton, Macaffer was pinned early by the umpires for holding the Blues' skipper, and on the night gave away five free kicks - his highest number this season.
The 26-year-old conceded after the game he might need to rethink his tactics going forward.
"I think every man and his dog can see the umpires paying more attention to me," Macaffer told AFL.com.au.
"I was a bit frustrated in the first half; I felt like every time I touched someone it was a free kick. But that's the way it is now so I've just got to learn to deal with that.
"I think to a certain point I try and stick to my guns, but I think the way it is now after the last few weeks, the focus is on guys that are tagging. You have to have a look at what you're doing and maybe try a few different things, so it's something that I'll look at."
The battle between Macaffer and Murphy on Friday night was an intriguing one. with the Carlton skipper working extremely hard in the first half to break free.
Murphy had 13 disposals and six clearances to half-time, and appeared to be winning the duel.
But after the main break, Macaffer tightened the noose, restricting the midfielder to seven touches and one clearance in the second half.
"I think the first half he got a lot of the ball and there were a few free kicks in there as well," Macaffer said.
"But I knuckled down in that second half and got some more support from my teammates as well so I was happy to keep him to 20 in the end."
The Pies now have a bye before facing the Crows at Adelaide Oval in a fortnight.
Macaffer will spend that time at his dad's place past Horsham in north-western Victoria, and will put plenty of work into studying Dangerfield, who has proved to be one of the Crows' most damaging players.
"I think there's a fair chance I'll get Patty Dangerfield so I’ll have to put a lot of work into him over the break because he's a super player," he said.
