Cats coach guarantees Varcoe grand final berth
TRAVIS VARCOE cut a subdued figure during Geelong's Grand Final parade through the streets of Melbourne last year.
The then 19-year-old had played 18 games for the Cats in his debut season but was at long odds to play the next day.
He was named as an emergency but wasn't needed and watched on from the sidelines as the Cats tore a swathe through Port Adelaide on the way to a massive 119-point victory.
No such repeat of history this time, and that's come straight from the horse's mouth.
Varcoe played an important role in Geelong's 29-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG last night and the Cats have advanced to the season-decider.
Cats coach Mark Thompson has guaranteed that Varcoe will keep his place in the team for the grand final after his efforts. Varcoe's passed his 'audition' with an impressive 18-possession game in the preliminary final, including a third-quarter goal.
"Travis won't go out," Thompson said post-match.
"Travis wouldn't be considered (for omission). I'll say that publicly; if he doesn't get a virus he'll play next week.
"That was the best game he's played. I don't mean to be a smarty, but I was very happy with his game."
Varcoe played a straight bat, ever mindful of not getting ahead of himself.
"I'm happy just with tonight and I'll soak it all up. I've just got to recover and then I'll worry about those things during the week," he said.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Last Modified on 20/09/2008 02:48