Fremantle run-with player Corey Wagner says he thrives on the "challenge" of tagging the game's best midfielders, and has begun adding dominant attributes of Nick Daicos and Zak Butters to his game.
Wagner, who is at his third club following periods at North Melbourne and Melbourne, has turned his career around under Justin Longmuir at the Dockers, and has been utilised in multiple roles.
However, the 28-year-old has arguably carved out a niche in the senior side, with his tagging role becoming an instant asset for Longmuir.
Wagner's endurance and burst match the athletic profile of Daicos and Butters, helping him quell the respective stars of the Collingwood and Port Adelaide teams.
In Round 9 last year, the Pies' son-of-a-gun was limited to 18 possessions and a goal, and spent large chunks of his time deep inside 50 to get rid of the hard tag.
Butters was also hindered by the close-checking of Wagner two weeks later, holding the Power champ to 24 hard-earned possessions.
"I love doing it," Wagner said.
"I get to play on the best in the league. I learn little bits about them. Daicos, Butters, and Merrett last year. It's awesome.
"Then you go into the midfield and do what they do. I love that challenge.
"The way he (Daicos) uses his speed. He's not running fast the whole time; he's running smart. It's probably the same as Butters. His change of direction to get out to space and use his attributes.
"It's why they're the best in the league."
Wagner's journey throughout the AFL is unique, but 2025 was a career-best season, playing 17 games before injury curtailed his finals availability.
"The goal this year is to play every game, and if that's playing forward, half back or tagging," Wagner said.
"It's that relationship and trust that JL has in me now that he can put me anywhere and I can do a job for him, I don't want to lose that."
