Brisbane Lions midfielder Andrew Raines has assumed the role of tagger in the AFL

BRISBANE'S Andrew Raines says there is far too much scrutiny of modern-day players to delve into the darker arts of tagging.

BRISBANE midfielder Andrew Raines says there is far too much scrutiny of modern-day football for players to delve into the darker arts of tagging.

Raines, 26, has successfully re-invented himself as a tagger in the past two seasons and will bring up his 100th senior AFL match when the Lions take on Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The role of the tagger, defensive midfielder or "run-with" player has been thrust into the spotlight this week following a TV interview with recently retired St Kilda star Steven Baker.

Baker told the Open Mike program that he sharpened the studs on his boots and deliberately stomped on the ankles of rival players, and also regularly punched opponents above the elbow to give them a "dead arm".

AFL umpires no longer check the studs on boots given most players wear moulded plastic soles.

Baker, who was delisted by the Saints at the end of 2011 after 203 games, said the better his opponent, the dirtier the tactics he employed.

Raines said there was too much focus on the match-ups between taggers and superstar on-ballers for things to get too out of hand.

"I think the days of sharpening the boots and those sorts of things are gone. The umpires are always looking at you so you definitely stay away from that sort of thing," Raines said.

"You've got to be aggressive and passionate (when you are a tagger). That's the way I play my football but you do still have to stay within the rules."

Raines was suspended for one week after an altercation with Geelong captain Joel Selwood in round 5 this year but has held his own against some of the game's best midfielders.

He is relishing his tagging role after suggesting the move to senior coach Michael Voss and is set to re-sign with the Lions after joining the club at the end of 2009 after 56 games with Richmond.

"I'm in negotiations at the moment so hopefully will put pen to paper shortly. I love this club and enjoy being back up in the warm climate," Raines said.

"I just went to Vossy about two pre-seasons ago (and said) I'd like the opportunity to maybe play on the opposition's best player in the midfield . . . it was a really good opportunity to play consistent football after two or three years in the wilderness."

Meanwhile, Lions defender Matt Maguire is unlikely to play again this year after succumbing to an ongoing ankle injury in last weekend's win over Adelaide.