Collingwoodfc.com.au looks at the players who are set to make a difference in season 2015.

Travis Varcoe
The story so far
Two premierships and an Australian representative jumper are fair accolades for a man who played a key role in Geelong’s glory era.

Varcoe kicked 130 goals in his 138 games with the Cats after arriving with the 15th selection in the 2005 National Draft. He was a member of their 2009 and 2011 premiership teams and is best remembered by Collingwood supporters for his three goals in the ’11 decider, including the first of the game after just 14 seconds.

The upside
Varcoe, who will be aged just 26 by the time round one rolls around, still has plenty to offer at the highest level. In fact, his best might still be to come.

Why? Just ask the man himself.

“I don’t think I’ve quite hit my straps in footy terms, so I think I’m right to take the next step and build on that,” he told CollingwoodTV on his first visit to the Westpac Centre.

“Hopefully Collingwood gets the best of it.”

Boasting experience at both ends of the ground, Varcoe’s pace, versatility and goal sense means he will help ensure the Collingwood of 2015 looks a whole lot different to the one that fell out of the eight in 2014.

The stat
Varcoe’s role changed in 2014. After playing the majority of his career as a forward/wingman, he was shifted to half back by Chris Scott midway through the year.

As a result, he registered 20 of his 29 rebounds after round 13. His disposal count remained consistent, and he won a combined 45 touches in the final two home and away rounds.

Playing behind the ball, Varcoe returned six rebound 50s and 33 disposals across Geelong’s two losing finals.

Interestingly, all seven of his goal assists were recorded after his move into the defensive half.

In a nutshell
Speed and ground level goal nous were areas Collingwood lacked on the odd occasion in 2014. Varcoe will offer that and much more in 2015. His leadership, too, will be important to such a young group.

“He’s obviously at a new club, but he’s had a huge impact on and off the field,” Taylor Adams told collingwoodfc.com.au.

“His leadership has been great and his knowledge of the game has really stood out.”