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Travis Varcoe proving a point

Roar Guru
6th July, 2015
18

Travis Varcoe being traded to Collingwood at the end of the 2014 season didn’t warrant a lot of attention. Geelong supporters weren’t particularly cut up he left, and Collingwood supporters weren’t fist-pumping his arrival.

But after 13 games in 2015, Varcoe is proving to be a very handy acquisition for the Pies, in his most consistent season.

Drafted by Geelong with pick 15 in the 2005 draft, Varcoe played 138 games for Geelong and left a two-time premiership player. His crowning moment was his performance in the 2011 grand final victory, ironically over Collingwood, where he kicked three goals.

Varcoe has always showed glimpses of his talent but injuries have curtailed his output. In 2012 Varcoe only played one game, and just 14 in season 2013. Geelong certainly missed his outside run and speed, and he went on to play 23 games in 2014.

The fact Varcoe played as often as he did in 2014 raised questions as to why Geelong would trade a regular.

When comparing Varcoe’s season in 2015 to last year, his output is ahead in key areas. He’s averaging more disposals, marks and a better percentage with disposal efficiency, while averaging close to the same amount of game time.

What will particularly please the Collingwood supporters is not just his ability to carry the ball and break the lines, but his work rate in tackling, harassing and putting pressure on the opposition.

At 27 years of age, Varcoe still has plenty of football ahead of him.

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The same trade saw Heritier Lumumba and Mitch Clark join Melbourne. It might just be one of those deals that ends up with all clubs being winners. And maybe Varcoe can add a third premiership medallion to his collection before he retires.

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