Travis Varcoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Travis Varcoe |
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Varcoe playing for Collingwood in August 2018
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Travis Varcoe | ||
| Date of birth | 10 April 1988 | ||
| Place of birth | South Australia | ||
| Original team | Smithfield (SAAFL) Central District (SANFL) |
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| Draft | 15th overall, 2005 Geelong |
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| Position(s) | Utility | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Travis Varcoe (born 10 April 1988) is a former Australian rules footballer. He played in the Australian Football League (AFL) for two big clubs. First, he played for the Geelong Football Club from 2006 to 2014. Then, he joined the Collingwood Football Club from 2015 to 2020. After retiring as a player, he became an assistant coach for the Western Bulldogs. You might also know him from the TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
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Travis Varcoe's Amazing Football Journey
Travis Varcoe started his football journey in 2005. He was just 17 years old. He played for the Central District Football Club in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). Even though he had a foot injury early on, the Geelong Football Club noticed his talent. They chose him as the 15th player overall in the 2005 AFL Draft. This was a big moment for him!
Playing for Geelong
When Travis joined Geelong, he received a special honor. He got to wear the number five jersey. This jersey was worn by famous club legends like Gary Ablett Sr. and Polly Farmer. Travis usually played as a forward pocket. This means he played close to the goal. He could also play in the middle of the field if needed.
People often compared him to Aaron Davey because of his speed. Travis was known for chasing down opponents. He also put a lot of pressure on the other team's players. Fans called him "The Magician." This was because of his quick and clever handballs. His skills on the field were truly tricky and amazing to watch.
In the 2009 AFL season, Travis was a very important player for Geelong. He helped them win the 2009 AFL Grand Final. Geelong played against the St Kilda Football Club. In the final moments of the game, Travis made a key play. He passed the ball to Paul Chapman. Chapman then kicked a brilliant goal. This goal gave Geelong a six-point lead. Soon after, Geelong won the game by 12 points. Travis earned his first premiership medal!
Travis had a great start to the 2010 AFL season. He trained very hard. But then, he got a thumb injury. This made him miss the first few games. When he came back, he played very well. He even finished ninth in Geelong's best and fairest award. This award is called the Carji Greeves Medal.
In the 2011 AFL Grand Final, Travis made history. He kicked the very first goal of the game. It happened in less than 10 seconds! He also kicked the second goal. But his goal in the fourth quarter was truly special. He took a mark (caught the ball) in Geelong's defense. He was bumped at the same time, but he kept going. He ran forward, got the ball again, and kicked a goal from far away. Geelong won the game by 38 points. Travis won his second premiership medal! By 2015, Travis had played 149 games. He won 122 of those games. He also reached 100 wins faster than any other player. He did it in his 113th game!
Moving to Collingwood
On October 15, 2014, Travis moved to the Collingwood Football Club. This was part of a trade between three clubs. Even though some thought he was past his best, Travis played amazing football at Collingwood. Many people thought he was one of the best new players in the 2015 AFL season. He really found his best form again.
After the 2020 AFL finals series, Collingwood was out of the competition. Travis then announced that he was retiring from football. He had a long and successful career.
His Family and Tributes
In August 2018, Travis's sister, Maggie, sadly passed away. This happened after an accident during a football game. She was playing for the Angle Vale Football Club. Even after this sad event, Travis continued to play for Collingwood. He did this as a way to honor his sister. The special Indigenous jersey that Collingwood wore in 2019 was also a tribute to Maggie. Travis's sister-in-law designed the jersey. It was a beautiful way to remember her.
Images for kids
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Varcoe playing for Collingwood in August 2018
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Travis Varcoe playing for Geelong in 2008.
