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.
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.
Tricky
Guest
1st paragraph agreed - definitely 2nd paragraph disagree - Tigers are definitely more consistent this year! and probably as consistent as any side in the comp this year!
Malahka
Guest
I dunno. I remember a great chase down and tackle on Franklin. I think injuries limited how good he could play a t geelong and seems injury free now. Side note; Do you think Geelong let some of their stars do a year too early? Chapman, Hunt etc?
Josh
Expert
I love Frost - both Jack at Collingwood and Sam at Melbourne, I think they are going to both be very good players. Jack already is. Yes... Lynch was a disappointing one. I think the AFL community will widely do him the courtesy of just pretending that never happened, like we do with say, Dermott Brereton. Marley Williams and Adam Oxley (rookie draft) and Tom Langdon (last pick of the 2013 draft if memory serves me correctly) would also be good examples of lower-rated recruits that Bucks has managed to turn into solid players. All three could push into the elite category in years to come.
Knoxy
Guest
As a Pies fan I agree Varcoe has been a great pick up for the club. As you point out his work rate and tackling have been exceptional. He also keeps his composure under pressure which is important given the high number of inexperienced players in our side.
slane
Guest
Good points. Frost is showing real promise too. Q. Lynch is probably another example of 'doomed from the start'.
slane
Guest
I dislike the implication that I'm 'hating' on Buckley because I'm not sold on whether he is "very good at getting the best out of players.". I think Malthouse certainly was and Buckley served under him. He was also a good captain. But I'm also of the opinion that the 2010 Collingwood team was a GREAT modern team. They should have won more than 1 premiership and a change in coach might have cost them that. I'm concerned that the Tigers still have to play the Pies and Freo again. Was great to get the points the first time around but Richmond can be so complacent at times. Whenever the team gets even a whiff of favouritism about them they crumble. I wouldn't be surprised if Carlton get up this Friday.
Josh
Expert
Never been a fan of Varcoe. But he is definitely getting more out of himself at Collingwood than he did at Geelong, so good for him.
Josh
Expert
Jack Crisp and Travis Varcoe are both examples of that. Very average players before joining Collingwood. White was always a lost cause.
Wilson
Roar Guru
I will admit I was one of the doubters of Buckley and the Pies, but the way that the Magpies have played against the Hawks and Freo Over the last 2 week has shown that they are improving. May not be at the level of the Hawks, Swans or Freo at the moment but give them another year or so and they will be there on the final day in September.
Gecko
Guest
Tony I think you're dead right. Buckley (or at least the club in general) has gotten more out of Varcoe than his previous coaches. And now the Buckley band-wagoners are coming after you... Buckley (or at least the club in general) is getting much faster development out of his younger players than most clubs. He's getting more committed football from his entire player group than most clubs. Looking forward to another crack at Slane's Richmond. Both coaches were heading toward the abyss last year but have really resurrected their reputations in 2015.
The Original Buzz
Guest
I watched the game and was impressed by Varcoe. His was a shrewd selection and it is definitely paying dividends.
Footy Fact
Guest
Tony, be careful in giving praise to Buckley, you'll upset the haters and they will come after you
Tony
Guest
Based on most journalists had Collingwood finishing in the bottom four. Their improvement has come from being well coached and there are plenty of average players there that came from very low draft picks slane.
TomC
Roar Guru
It was a trade involving three players that all looked like they could benefit from fresh starts. There was a moment against Hawthorn where Varcoe lunged desperately to make a smother on the wing, and one of the commentators wondered aloud where that had been in the rest of his career. I wondered the same. The writer is spot on in focussing on Varcoe’s work rate. Buckley and his staff seem to have done an excellent job this year in inspiring confidence among the playing group. Jack Crisp is another one who has improved rapidly since shifting clubs, and who no longer seems to be defined by his weaknesses. With all the young talent they’ve acquired in the last few years it’s an exciting time for the Pies.
slane
Guest
Based on what? Doesn't he need to recruit some 'average' players and turn them into 'good' players before you can make that call? White hasn't exactly shown any improvement...
Tony
Guest
Give some credit to Nathan Buckley who seems to be very good at getting the best out of players.
Dean
Guest
I don't think Geelong misses Varcoe, I think Clark is more important to the team now. It's a win-win-win, Varcoe's improved, which is great, but it was probably the change of scenery that did it. had he stayed at Geelong maybe he wouldn't have developed as he has.
PartTimeZombie
Guest
I argued somewhere on the internet with a Geelong fan that they would miss Travis, and I'm glad I'm right. He was very good against Hawthorn on Friday, again. A really hard working player.