Pies bring back hard AFL tag to upset Cats

Is the hard tag back to haunt star AFL onballers?

The negative one-on-one tactic has drifted out of the game in recent times, but Levi Greenwood's job on Joel Selwood was a key factor in Collingwood's upset 29-point win.

It wasn't quite the sort of ferocious mauling that would make former St Kilda tagger Steven Baker proud, but Greenwood's physical approach appeared to get right under Selwood's skin at the MCG on Sunday.

Greenwood started outside the centre square at each restart of play, but was by the Cats' skipper's side quick as a flash after the ball was bounced.

Selwood amassed 43 possessions in last week's win over St Kilda, but was restricted to just 17 touches under close attention from a disciplined Greenwood.

"I think it's something that coaches have always got to go to," Pies coach Nathan Buckley replied when asked if the tactic could become more prevalent.

"Most lists have a player that can lock down and play that role, but Levi still attacks as well. We can't afford to attack with 17 players.

"So I wouldn't call it a total hard tag or a total shutdown ... he's still required to play in other elements of our game.

"(But) a day like today, his teammates walk taller because he's in the side.

"We've got plenty of different people that can come in and play different roles and bring different strengths to the table and one of Levi's is his absolute intensity and his super concentration to his role.

"He did it really well today."

Greenwood had 16 disposals and only gave away two free kicks.

He also came in for some attention from Selwood's teammates - notably Nakia Cockatoo, who gave away a free kick when he pushed the former Kangaroo to the ground.

"I didn't spend much time looking off the ball, so I'm not in a position to comment intelligently on that," Cats coach Chris Scott replied when asked if he felt Greenwood had crossed the line.

"It was a pretty tight battle between the two of them, I thought.

"Joel won his fair share of contests against him one-on-one, but they would have been happy with the role Greenwood played."