Travis Varcoe trade: mid year report

[Flashman]

Big tick from me.

I was happy to get him as I had a feeling he'd be a good fit for us and he hasn't disappointed and has probably exceeded expectations. He's a lot more physical than I anticipated for one and his kicking and ball handling have been sublime. My only quibble is he can drift out of games but to counter that when the whips are really cracking he's shown a happy knack to bob up with an important touch, pressure act or goal to really provide a spark.

I'd give him a solid B+.

[Bob Sugar]

People forget how good the big H was for us, I'm happy with the trade but from an onfeild standpoint we aren't ahead, off feild we are though.

[King Monkey]

I was dead against recruiting Varcoe, couldn't stand him, soft, the next Woewodin.
He's started to turn me around.

I was wr......
Only half a season, let's not get carried away. Now finish that off for me and make me a believer Travis.

[Tannin]

[5150]

[RudeBoy]

I was skeptical of his value when he arrived, but I've been mightily impressed. He's easily an improvement on Heritier.

[Raw Hammer]

One must remeber that it isn't easy to slip straight into a new team and know everyone's nuances. Luke Ball (especially) and Darren Jolly had similarly slow starts. His game vs St Kilda showed that when he gives a crap, he really gives a crap and has a red hot dip. I'd like to see that more often.

I also feel too often this season he has dished off to the nearest Collingwood player due to his uncertainty in a new environment, and it kept p!ssing me off cos his ball use is much better than most of the players he kept handing the hot potato to. In recent weeks he looks to have become more comfortable to take the responsibility himself and not look like a ring-in, and is starting to look like an actual member of the team. I wouldn;t get too carried away yet.

I believe he was on te verge of being sent back to the reserves a few weeks ago (some of his games up forward flat out stunk, remember that dropped sitter in the forward pocket?), but he has repaid the faith shown by Buckley and co. of late. Hopefully he can keep it up.

[ C+ / B- ] ... with much upside

[King Monkey]

[Member 7167]

[Geek]

Yep. I too was against picking up Varcoe. But week by week he has been winning me over.

I rated H, even though his input had been diminishing so I don't see the trade as as big a win as some of you do. It can be hard to judge as they are quite different players. But Varcoe has shown skill, speed and good desperation.

He had his Medhurst moment for mine that time he did 3 or 4 repeat efforts against StKilda and just about snapped young Lonies leg.

[Lazza]

[didick]

Loving Mr Varcoe's work.
H had speed to burst lines and kick an occasional bomb from outside 50. Loved his Grand Final Replay goal. Won't forget that one.
But Travis has at least H's speed, along with superior skills by hand and foot. Great pick up. Well done CFC. Their insight and analysis must have been far superior to many of us on this board. Funny that.

[3rd degree]

His skills and experience and ability have been great for our young lads.
He makes us a lot more dangerous.

[MagpiesTheGreat]

He brings X factor, just like Leon Davis used to do. We are full of anticipation when they are near the ball/goal or when the ball is in their hands. Go Pies!

[darky the protector]

The most revered number at Geelong is of course no 5 that was given to him when he started . He has always been a player with great variety ,good finisher and most of all a solid cit.
Wonderful trade with the future in mind .H although a great player had at least 6 players for his spot also why shaw was considered dispensable.
thats great list management