Could Travis Varcoe be moulded into a defender?

[meto]

70% effective disposals as per AFL web site

If that's experiment no1 then we can at least conclude, he can get his hands on the ball enough to warrant serious consideration in that position.

Was he playing deep/wing or genuine HBF, and if the latter who did he pickup?
Would worry me if was to stand against Beams, Swan or Didak in a marking contest, could he hold position to spoil?

To often I've seen him locked down up forward especially in the hard tight games that finals are, possibly the straight ahead link defender role could work with an occassional snap on goal.

Most possession stats ever for Trav, congrats for a great game!

 

[vinum coupe]

Can anyone answer if he was actually spoiling?
Only 2 tackles so was he applying pressure around the ball when the suns were trying to get it? ie. bumps, scragging, smothers?

I'm trying to work out if he actually played the role of a defender or played the type of game a loose man in defence would.

 

[SJ]

Can anyone answer if he was actually spoiling?
Only 2 tackles so was he applying pressure around the ball when the suns were trying to get it? ie. bumps, scragging, smothers?

I'm trying to work out if he actually played the role of a defender or played the type of game a loose man in defence would.

Loose man in defence mainly, where the Cats gave him the ball at every opportunity running out of defence (rather than a third man up loose man role).

 

[Selective Retention]

I think Yarran is a good case study to show why this wouldn't work.

Looks a million bucks if a team will let him run around unmanned off a half back flank, as soon as the opposition decide to give him a bit of attention goes completely missing.

 

[vinum coupe]

Loose man in defence mainly, where the Cats gave him the ball at every opportunity running out of defence (rather than a third man up loose man role).

Interesting.
Sides take the time (on occasion) to shut down the free run of Enright or Scarlett. Rendering our backline stagnant.

If the time comes that it happens again they may have the flexibility to send TV down there to provide that run.

Wojo actually doesn't provide that type of run.

Did I say run enough?

 

[Roadie]

He did throw his body around a little more early on, was at the bottom of a couple packs.

 

[SJ]

Interesting.
Sides take the time (on occasion) to shut down the free run of Enright or Scarlett. Rendering our backline stagnant.

If the time comes that it happens again they may have the flexibility to send TV down there to provide that run.

Wojo actually doesn't provide that type of run.

Did I say run enough?

I think we've been able to place him there due to Christensen adding the speed and hardness in the midfield that they maybe wanted Varcoe to bring.

 

[Vdubs]

Can anyone answer if he was actually spoiling?
Only 2 tackles so was he applying pressure around the ball when the suns were trying to get it? ie. bumps, scragging, smothers?

I'm trying to work out if he actually played the role of a defender or played the type of game a loose man in defence would.

1st/4 he "tagged" Nathan Krakoeur, embarrassed him, and NK had to be shifted after 1/2 time.
After that, he seemed to play like a link up player RUNNING from half back into the forward line. Only 3 clangers according to papers. Was excellent seeing him amass the stats that some have been craving. My only frustration is that he seems to look too often for someone to finish off his work. He needs a bit of Wojo about him, or at least be a little greedier and run right through and go for the goal himself. Confidence. But the signs are excellent as far as versatility.Near bog this week.

 

[i_need_a_pencil]

I'm not sure where to start him come finals... but having him now as a possible option to play back to break the lines, if Enright or Scarlett are being tagged out of the game, brings amazing flexibility to the team!

Some of the amazing end to end goals we produced yesterday were on the back of Travis's running.

Hopefully Scotty lets him play there for the rest of the season, to improve himself... but adding that extra dimension elevates his game.

 

[Vdubs]

I read yesterday that Trav has been invited into the leadership meetings, which is definitely a sign that he is valued pretty highly by the team and MC.

 

[The Rusty Clam]

i read yesterday that trav has been invited into the leadership meetings, which is definitely a sign that he is valued pretty highly by the team and mc.

mc????

 

[PatrickBateman]

I think Yarran is a good case study to show why this wouldn't work.

Looks a million bucks if a team will let him run around unmanned off a half back flank, as soon as the opposition decide to give him a bit of attention goes completely missing.

Although what you're saying here is absolutely logical, don't forget you're on the Geelong board, where you get called a nutcase for being anything but positive towards Travis Varcoe by the emotional crew on here.

From what we've seen in 2011 you are 100% correct. The way Collingwood plays us suggests that running half backs are not effective. No space, no time... we continually bomb the ball out of defence when playing teams who choke us up in our defensive 50 as that's really the only way out. In this situation, Varcoe is useless. Against good teams there are basically more contests and less space, neither of which suits Varcoe's game. He'll only be effective up forward for mine.

I don't get why anyone is using the last 2 games to judge any one player. Foolish.

 

[David the Cat]

mc????

Match Committee Clam


Great performance by TV...pace, run, creativity BUT...didn't deliver as well as expected. Given this is usually a strength, certainly worth another look at him in that role. Split them wide open time after time.

VD is quite right though...I wish he would just line them up and kick the goal rather than almost always looking for an option....as Wojo did so magnificently in the last quarter. a 5 bounce crowd pleaser.


PS: Kudos meto for recognising a good performance from a player you have had doubts about before. Looks like he is making the contribution we both hoped he would in time for the finals.

 

[bobbycatsfanme]

terrific month of footy from Travis He's really gonna play a major part for us in September

 

[TheHonestyPolicy]

Seems like CS has left a few tricks up his sleeve for finals. Exciting times for true Geelong supporters, get the feeling we are going in a fair bit more versatile than previous seasons. Got to try everything to get that little bit of advantage while you have the chance.

Seems like the pain of working Trav hard through the year is paying off. For those offering constructuve criticism in here, its probably as much a relief as it is for those who supported him. For those who came in here to bag him for personal reasons, looks like you will be forever bound in shallows and in miseries!

Finals will be the ultimate test for our 22 but I get the feeling they cant wait now. If we rely on individuals to get us over the line it just wont happen, has to be a full team effort but thats what we are likely to get if our fitness is anything to go by right now. Hats off to the GFC for the finals preparation so far.

 

[dazbroncos]

Im not sure that I see TV being a defender type permanently as I just dont see him getting involved in the contest like Dash or Boris does on a regular basis.

TO his credit however he certainly has stiffened his intent at the ball over the last few weeks so maybe its not totally impossible but perhaps unlikely.

What I do like about the option is that pace and skill off HB and thru the middle. Against the lesser teams it looks spectacular as the forward pressure isnt as great and he can get away easier.

Againts the Pies etc, it might not pay off as well as I just dont think their forwards will let him get off the hook that easily.

What it might do however is create a mismatch and make a Didak or Davis or Bateman type need to be much more accountable for a while.

I like it in spurts and as an option.....

Go Catters...

 

[Claude Balls]

Although what you're saying here is absolutely logical, don't forget you're on the Geelong board, where you get called a nutcase for being anything but positive towards Travis Varcoe by the emotional crew on here.

From what we've seen in 2011 you are 100% correct. The way Collingwood plays us suggests that running half backs are not effective. No space, no time... we continually bomb the ball out of defence when playing teams who choke us up in our defensive 50 as that's really the only way out. In this situation, Varcoe is useless. Against good teams there are basically more contests and less space, neither of which suits Varcoe's game. He'll only be effective up forward for mine.

I don't get why anyone is using the last 2 games to judge any one player. Foolish.

Tend to agree with this general sentiment. If the likes of Scarlett and Enright looked like fools last year trying to rebound out of Collingwood`s forward line, I don`t hold all that much hope for trav when the going gets tough.

 

[TheHonestyPolicy]

Tend to agree with this general sentiment. If the likes of Scarlett and Enright looked like fools last year trying to rebound out of Collingwood`s forward line, I don`t hold all that much hope for trav when the going gets tough.

The whole 22 looked silly in the PF last year. Just as we made them look silly in the 09 PF. Different season, fitness is incomparable, far less distractions off the field, different game plan, different expectations I would have thought.

I mean round 8 2011 is a better guide surely. Did we look so silly then?

I agree with Daz Broncos also. I dont see Trav playing HB for a full 4 qtrs. It looks a likely prospect to break the game up in the second half however when the sub rule kicks in and the game opens up a bit.

 

[Berserker26]

Watched the game last night and though TV looked great coming out of defence. Yes, his finishing wasn't that great however I wouldn't expect his disposal to be that poor every week. He didn't seem to play so much a defensive/stopping role (from what I saw on the tv) as opposed to a streaming, running play maker.

Geelong should continue to use him in this capacity and let him develop in the role. There we several times he looked simply awesome getting the run past handball or catching the drop of a tap. If he can finish off and gain confidence taking players on i see this as a real weapon of ours - wojo seems to play a similar role but just doesn't get it as much as travvy.

Time will tell against more quality opposition.

 

[topic97]

Well, I know he is being molded into a husband today!
Good luck and congrats to Trav and Nicki on their wedding today!!

 

[Vdubs]

Well, I know he is being molded into a husband today!
Good luck and congrats to Trav and Nicki on their wedding today!!

Good, some little Varcoes maybe in the next 20 years

 

[Belisarius]

Good news for TV.

Trav needs a bit more muscle and confidence in the shoulders to be a really good rebounding backman. If your a backman with leg speed you just have make some tackles - and be able to take a tackle/hit.

So cannot see it working this season - maybe a more likely move in another season to come.

 

[bobbycatsfanme]

all the doubters gonna be put back into place

 

[David the Cat]

He was tremendous tonight...up back..through the centre and up forward.

A class act.

 

[Vdubs]

He was tremendous tonight...up back..through the centre and up forward.

A class act.

Played his outside attacking role to absolute perfection, fantastic finishing skills. Patrick....didn't hear you tonight,.....Patrick???