But the life of a tagger is not an easy one.
Crowley admits the lead-up to a game can be a stressful experience.
“You’re usually playing on one of the opposition’s best players week-in, week-out, and there’s a good chance that he might pull your pants down,” Crowley said.
“There’s that fear of failure.”
The 28-year-old will usually know who he is tagging early in the week. That’s when the tactical and mental preparation begins.
“There’s a lot that goes into working out how that guy plays and how I am going to play against him,” Crowley said.
He also prepares himself for any scenario that may present itself on game day.
“What happens if he gets away from me, or if he starts well, or what if he kicks a goal?,” Crowley said.
“There’s a lot of mental imagery and focus, thinking about what my response will be if he does get away from me.”
Sometimes, senior coach Ross Lyon does not tell his number one stopper who he will get until later in the week.
Crowley can usually narrow it down to one or two players, however.
“Often, I’ll play against the same guy every time we play, so I can pick it,” Crowley said.
“But sometimes Ross will throw a curly one at me.”
On the field, Crowley relies on his best attribute, his endurance, and his strength to help him win his match-up.
With next opponent, the Western Bulldogs, missing their best ball-winner, Matthew Boyd, the obvious match-up for Crowley in next Saturday’s clash at Etihad Stadium should be classy midfielder Ryan Griffen, although Dogs’ stalwart Daniel Cross is also a proven accumulator of possessions.
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