Former Eagle Peter Sumich is encouraging West Coast to trial a tagging role in the last few rounds of the home and away season, as West Coast looks to the future. 

The tagger role has been highlighted more prominently this season, with many teams opting to utilise a player in this role.

As a result, many of the league’s biggest names have been shut down and held at bay, and Sumich believes West Coast should embrace this role – especially when developing their young list. 

He believes there’s no better time to trial this role than this weekend at the derby.

“I look at the side that’s been picked. Are they thinking about a tag for the future?” he said on Sports Breakfast.

“Who cares about the win? If they happen to win this game, and I think they’ll be in this game, looking at both sides – it’s not going to be a blow out. 

 “Try these things, who cares? You’ve got to look for the future.

“Do it now, they’re not going to make the eight or finals. So try these things with these players to get something ready for next year, that’s what I’m after.” 

This weekend, West Coast will clash with Fremantle’s midfield containing Nat Fyfe, Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw – three superstars who threaten to tear the game apart.

The Dockers will come into the derby hungry for a win to hold their place in the top 4, but also seeking redemption for last derby’s shock loss. 

Eagles speedster Jack Petrucelle was brought back into the side for Saturday’s match, to replace Jeremy McGovern who failed his fitness test on Friday morning.

Sumich believes he should would be a worthy candidate for the tagging role. 

“The Eagles have got to get to a stage where they’ve got to throw things around. Petrucelle should tag Serong or Brayshaw,” he said.

“Get with the times a little bit. Try things with a bloke who’s got leg speed. They’re taking him out of the side – he’s got leg speed. It’s bizarre with that one.

“Tagging a Serong or Brayshaw would be the go with Petrucelle – he’s got the speed, he’s got the endurance. 

These last few rounds of the AFL season, are a prime opportunity to ‘throw the magnets around,’ according to Sumich. 

While the Eagles may lose games, experimenting with the line up and being agressive with new strategies and talent won’t cost the club anything.

“The members won’t go anywhere because I think the members now are slightly excited about a new coach,” said Sumich.

“They’e going to get excited about some new faces through the draft and trade which hopefully they’re going to be aggressive.  

“To go back to some of these players and not try a few things with these future players that I see… you’ve got to put these blokes in the team.”

IMAGE: AFL Photos