Geelong's Travis Varcoe will be hungry after playing just one game in 18 months
Photo: Getty Images
2013 position: Forward/midfielder
2013 price: $234,400
Bye: Round 12
Last year's average: 9
Last year's high score: 9
Four reasons to have him in your team
1) Varcoe is a player of real quality who has dropped off the radar after an injury-blighted 2012 in which he played just one game. He has pace, is a great user of the ball and has a keen eye for goal. At his best, he is capable of averaging in the mid-80s over prolonged period, as he did in his excellent finish to 2010.
2) His solitary game in 2012 - which came in round 22 and ended in the first quarter when he injured his ankle - means Varcoe is tastily priced this season. Skilled, experienced premiership players in the prime of their career can easily cost twice Varcoe's $234,400. Even if he doesn't make you a mint, he is value that cannot be overlooked.
3) While the extra trades this season have reduced its value, flexibility is always handy to have. Varcoe is a dual position mid-forward, allowing you to swap between lines at a whim, and make the most of premium mid-forwards such as his teammates Jimmy Bartel and Paul Chapman.
4) Nothing motivates a player to perform like not being able to play football. Varcoe has played one game in 18 months and his first NAB Cup outings in Perth suggested he has lost none of his key attributes. Importantly, he is now among the senior group at Geelong and should assume significant responsibility.
The downside?
Varcoe has many talents, but staying injury free isn't one of them. He made his debut two years after being drafted, after a foot injury ruined his top-age under-18 season. It was another stress-related foot injury that ruined his 2012 season, while thumb and ankle complaints have also put him out for significant periods. There is no guarantee that the health gods will smile on him this time around.
His style of play also hurts his DT prospects. The scoring system favours those who win plenty of possession and work hard in defence, racking up tackles. Varcoe is a damaging player but he doesn't need many touches to have an impact. Nor does he work terribly hard in the tackle count. His offensive impact is great for the Cats, but not necessarily ideal for your fantasy team.
Risk rating: Varcoe is a quality player who will potentially score much more highly than his modest price. However, he comes with significant risks. As long as you don't factor him into your midfield or forward line as a key player, he is well worth any potential downsides. Three Alan Didaks.
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