Steele Sidebottom V Travis Varcoe

[Richo83]

This poll is about who you would prefer going forward.

And given Sidebottom is younger and is performing just as or in some cases better than Varcoe, the point stands.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

Ahh yes, in Sidebottom's first year he struggled in a final, a final in which his whole team did the same. This is cherry picking, and ignores the many other games in which Sidebottom starred. It also ignores many of the flat games which Varcoe has had, including many in his first and second years (you know, those years which Sidebottom just went through in 09 and 10?). And I dearly hope that you don't only watch Sidebottom play when he plays your mob, because that would kinda... you know... discredit your opinion entirely. To evaluate a player based on their performances against one club is stupid.

A limited sample size, but with the complete domination you're describing I would have expected it to be borne out at least 1 of 4 matches?

Given Varcoe is nearly three years his older and plays the X factor goal-creating role, this is hardly surprising.

Therefore it's also hardly surprising that Sidebottom gets more of the ball, with a more free roaming role. No?

And no, I'm not basing my opinion merely on the GF walkover, I'm basing it on a general trend over the past two years when a player, barely 20 yo has a starring role in a top side. Something which Varcoe never did at Sidebottom's age.

Starring role? Laying it on a bit thick.

 

[Rioli magic]

And given Sidebottom is younger and is performing just as or in some cases better than Varcoe, the point stands.

We should compare each players 2nd season to see who'll be better for the next few years?

 

[Richo83]

A limited sample size, but with the complete domination you're describing I would have expected it to be borne out at least 1 of 4 matches?

Not really. He's not the first kid to struggle against a great side. Fwiw, Varcoe also struggled against top sides early on (and last year) as well. It's such a small sample size to render it meaningless.

Therefore it's also hardly surprising that Sidebottom gets more of the ball, with a more free roaming role. No?

Sidebottom shouldn't be blamed that he's showing ball-winning capacities. It could also mean Varcoe is a player with a limited skill set who can only really play forward. I think Sidebottom plays the attacking forward role better than Varcoe plays the ball winner as well.

Starring role? Laying it on a bit thick.

Very close to one in the grand final replay, not to mention against Adelaide. Sure, he's not top billing - yet, but he's been one of their better young contributes and has definitely stared in key games.

Anyway, the fact is that Sidebottom has played a starring role in a game, and that's more than Varcoe, who has never dominated a game like Sidebottom has, in finals no less.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

Sidebottom shouldn't be blamed that he's showing ball-winning capacities.

WTF?

It could also mean Varcoe is a player with a limited skill set who can only really play forward. I think Sidebottom plays the attacking forward role better than Varcoe plays the ball winner as well.

We'll see.

Very close to one in the grand final replay, not to mention against Adelaide. Sure, he's not top billing - yet, but he's been one of their better young contributes and has definitely stared in key games.

Anyway, the fact is that Sidebottom has played a starring role in a game, and that's more than Varcoe, who has never dominated a game like Sidebottom has, in finals no less.

He's your cousin or soemthing isn't he?

Varcoe's game in the semi v Freo this year was well ahead of that Adelaide game. Heck, so was his SF against the Bulldogs in 2008. He may not always get it as much, but he doesn't waste his touches as shown in that vid.

 

[the distributer]

WTF?



We'll see.



He's your cousin or soemthing isn't he?

Varcoe's game in the semi v Freo this year was well ahead of that Adelaide game. Heck, so was his SF against the Bulldogs in 2008. He may not always get it as much, but he doesn't waste his touches as shown in that vid.

I wouldnt swap Sidebottom for Varcoe, i dont think many would, Varcoe's a very good B grader ATM and Sidebottom is trying to become that, Both could be A graders in the coming years, Varcoe is currently the better player but he's a lot older, stupid poll/comparrison really but in saying that there wouldnt be a great deal in it.

 

[Richo83]

We'll see.

We've already seen that Sidebottom has been better than a three year older Varcoe. Nothing suggests this will change.

He's your cousin or soemthing isn't he?

Oh snap, you know my secret: every single player who is better than a Geelong player just happens to be my cousin as well.

Varcoe's game in the semi v Freo this year was well ahead of that Adelaide game.

Oh you mean the game against freo which was finished at half time and freo hardly put any pressure on the opposition?

Heck, so was his SF against the Bulldogs in 2008. He may not always get it as much, but he doesn't waste his touches as shown in that vid.

You mean qualifying final I'm guessing. The dogs played the swans in the 08 semi final. I never said Varcoe doesn't have good games (although these hardly outflank Sidebottom) but that at a much younger age, Sidebottom seems to be either at the standard of Varcoe, or at above him.

I mean searching for a game where Varcoe did play well seems to be a base expectation. There's a reason why Varcoe was included in this poll, he has some talent. But his career shows no signs of passing Sidebottom's. And this is from a neutral perspective.

 

[Rockford]

Sidebottom was impressive in 2010 if he continues to improve then he could become one of the greats at Collingwood.

Varcoe has freakish game changing ability while not being as consistent as Sidebottom.

Steele Sidebottom beat Banana Yaya for name of the year.

All things considered, it's very close.

It may be bias, and while I don't ever see him quite living up to Ablett's standards, but Varcoe reminds me of a younger Ablett: silky skills, game-breaker and very entertaining to watch.

I've voted Travis.

[YOUTUBE]gaasRXySVJs[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

We've already seen that Sidebottom has been better than a three year older Varcoe. Nothing suggests this will change.

Yes, all players careers progress at a completely linear rate, everything can be comfortably predicted.

This is why I as if he's a relative, such simple boneheaded statements like these.

Oh you mean the game against freo which was finished at half time and freo hardly put any pressure on the opposition?

The GF replay was pretty one sided, but that's fine to use as evidence of Sidey's superiority??

I never said Varcoe doesn't have good games (although these hardly outflank Sidebottom) but that at a much younger age, Sidebottom seems to be either at the standard of Varcoe, or at above him.

You've selected a couple of finals games to show that Sidebottom has consistently performed in finals. I've shown a couple where Varcoe has performed as well or better, but you seem to just write them off? What's the go?

I mean searching for a game where Varcoe did play well seems to be a base expectation. There's a reason why Varcoe was included in this poll, he has some talent. But his career shows no signs of passing Sidebottom's. And this is from a neutral perspective.

Was wondering when you'd play that card. You don't seem neutral at all, or you don't know how discussion and debate works, one or the other.

 

[StillWaiting5689]

Steele Sidebottom beat Banana Yaya for name of the year.

I'd forgotten about this, this clearly tips the scales in sidebottoms favour IMO.

 

[Topper Harley]

LD, out of curiosity where did Varcoe finish in your B&F this year?

9th.

As a side point, Steele has performed very well in 2 Grand Finals, Varcoe has also played in 2, he's had one very good quarter (09 final) and 7 that were absolute shit, which sees the scales tip in Steele's favour. However, I think Varcoe will be the better player, I think his potential is still untapped. By the end of this year we'll know.

 

[jonbe54]

9th.

As a side point, Steele has performed very well in 2 Grand Finals, Varcoe has also played in 2, he's had one very good quarter (09 final) and 7 that were absolute shit, which sees the scales tip in Steele's favour. However, I think Varcoe will be the better player, I think his potential is still untapped. By the end of this year we'll know.

Well Varcoe still has time but nowhere near as much as Sidebum.

Varcoe should be ahead of him but players can mature at different ages. IMO the jury is still out on Travis but he needs to start contributing much more consistently to repay the faith shown in him.

Sidebum has already shown enough to be considered a highly skilled and consistent b grader (consistent in as much as he is still very young and they always have peaks and troughs until they mature fully).

 

[FAIRANDBALANCED]

I think the creator missed a part where he scratched his nuts particularly vigorously.

Never seen a clip which doesn't show 90% of his possessions hitting a target. Lots of easy receives in space though. Hope he didn't end all those possession chains.

You have a hatred for all things Collingwood, so its not surprising that you would talk down Sidebottom's achievements. Sidebottom was brilliant in BOTH Grand finals he was clean and more composed than guys 5-10 years older. That shows great ability and levelheadedness you can't teach.
Varcoe could be anything. He might end up being the best player in the AFL, he has all the tools, but so far he doesn't have that composure and nous that Sidebottom does.
If you wanted a guy now to play A grade football for 10 years, then you take Sidebottom. He is the better bet.
If you wanted a guy who might end up being the best player in the comp, but might also become an inconsistent match winner, then you would take Varcoe.
It really depends on the midfield you already have.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

You have a hatred for all things Collingwood, so its not surprising that you would talk down Sidebottom's achievements.

Ha, don't think so champ. Massively indifferent to all things Collingwood.

 

[2TONE]

9th.

As a side point, Steele has performed very well in 2 Grand Finals, Varcoe has also played in 2, he's had one very good quarter (09 final) and 7 that were absolute shit, which sees the scales tip in Steele's favour. However, I think Varcoe will be the better player, I think his potential is still untapped. By the end of this year we'll know.

in a team that geelong had in those golden years, how can someone be shit as you say, ffs you shat on port by 578 points furk even the waterboys would of got votes on that day. This is where the problem is, varcoe will never improve, i cant see imagination or desire in his game, creativity does not exist, running at 300kph and inturn coughing it up because you ran too fast is shit football, dont the cats already have wojinski that does this. Cats fans while his currency is sort of inflated for **** knows what reason, give him to gws and score some cheapies. This Pheonix is a turkey in deguise. As for sidebottom Captain of the greatest club in the land is his destiny, will be top 5 player in the comp within 5 years. As for varcoe either captain of gws which is the smart move for the cats or captain of bell park dragons which would be good for them.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

in a team that geelong had in those golden years, how can someone be shit as you say, ffs you shat on port by 578 points furk even the waterboys would of got votes on that day. This is where the problem is, varcoe will never improve, i cant see imagination or desire in his game, creativity does not exist, running at 300kph and inturn coughing it up because you ran too fast is shit football, dont the cats already have wojinski that does this. Cats fans while his currency is sort of inflated for **** knows what reason, give him to gws and score some cheapies. This Pheonix is a turkey in deguise. As for sidebottom Captain of the greatest club in the land is his destiny, will be top 5 player within 5 years.

You have terrible opinions.

 

[Rockford]

Varcoe could be anything. He might end up being the best player in the AFL, he has all the tools, but so far he doesn't have that composure and nous that Sidebottom does.

I don't disagree with this. I recall a similar (off-line) discussion I had with some mates re: Gary Ablett back in 05. Has all the tools but seemed to rush decisions, lacked commitment etc.. Obviously, given he was an Ablett I said I wouldn't trade him for the World (or even 2 first round picks). My mate said it would be unlikely he'd become the midfield dynamo I hoped he'd become but look what happened

Travis _could_ become the best player in the comp, not to disparage Sidebottom but he probably can't.

 

[drummoyne]

in a team that geelong had in those golden years, how can someone be shit as you say, ffs you shat on port by 578 points furk even the waterboys would of got votes on that day. This is where the problem is, varcoe will never improve, i cant see imagination or desire in his game, creativity does not exist, running at 300kph and inturn coughing it up because you ran too fast is shit football, dont the cats already have wojinski that does this. Cats fans while his currency is sort of inflated for **** knows what reason, give him to gws and score some cheapies. This Pheonix is a turkey in deguise. As for sidebottom Captain of the greatest club in the land is his destiny, will be top 5 player in the comp within 5 years. As for varcoe either captain of gws which is the smart move for the cats or captain of bell park dragons which would be good for them.

You sir are a one-eyed moron.

 

[FAIRANDBALANCED]

Ha, don't think so champ. Massively indifferent to all things Collingwood.

Don't think so 'sport'. I remember the crap you were spouting on about Collingwood before the Prelim last year. You underrated everything they did, you thought they were ordinary and your cats would kill them when it mattered. You were wrong. I know you're sitting there praying it was all the game plan and that you will be proven correct about Collingwood's ineptitude...
And just to clarify, you're certainly not indifferent. That is a completely inappropriate use of the term when all you do is hate on them. though it does make me grin that you think I'm a supporter who would be riled up that you don't hate us. I love the Cats and everything they have done for footy over the past four years, so i usually have a lot of time for their supporters but in your case ill make an exception.

Go on, try and say something nice about a Collingwood player. Nearly every person who has watched Steele Sidebottom play would have great things to say, but you can't force yourself to do it. It doesn't make Varcoe a worse player to acknowledge Sidebottom's talents.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

Don't think so 'sport'. I remember the crap you were spouting on about Collingwood before the Prelim last year. You underrated everything they did, you thought they were ordinary and your cats would kill them when it mattered. You were wrong. I know you're sitting there praying it was all the game plan and that you will be proven correct about Collingwood's ineptitude...

WTF? ~Whatever~

And just to clarify, you're certainly not indifferent. That is a completely inappropriate use of the term when all you do is hate on them. though it does make me grin that you think I'm a supporter who would be riled up that you don't hate us. I love the Cats and everything they have done for footy over the past four years, so i usually have a lot of time for their supporters but in your case ill make an exception.

Go on, try and say something nice about a Collingwood player. Nearly every person who has watched Steele Sidebottom play would have great things to say, but you can't force yourself to do it. It doesn't make Varcoe a worse player to acknowledge Sidebottom's talents.

I have never hated on Collingwood. Take a look at my post history if you want. Check out the threads I have created. I don't remember 1 of them, not 1 of them, about Collingwood. Do you think that's unusual for someone who 'all they do is hate on them'? There's about 15 about Hawthorn though

You're barking up the wrong tree matey, I remember we had a discussion where we disagreed about something, but if everyone who argued with you about Collingwood had some kind of obsession, the world would be a crazy place.

Clearly I got to you somehow in the past, but just relax eh?

 

[FAIRANDBALANCED]

WTF? ~Whatever~



I have never hated on Collingwood. Take a look at my post history if you want. Check out the threads I have created. I don't remember 1 of them, not 1 of them, about Collingwood. Do you think that's unusual for someone who 'all they do is hate on them'? There's about 15 about Hawthorn though

You're barking up the wrong tree matey, I remember we had a discussion where we disagreed about something, but if everyone who argued with you about Collingwood had some kind of obsession, the world would be a crazy place.

Clearly I got to you somehow in the past, but just relax eh?

Thanks for that, don't know what happened to me there for a second. Now I am relaxed. You are a quality, unbiased, most intelligent and dare I say it, impeccably wise poster and person.

 

[Partridge]

in a team that geelong had in those golden years, how can someone be shit as you say, ffs you shat on port by 578 points furk even the waterboys would of got votes on that day. This is where the problem is, varcoe will never improve, i cant see imagination or desire in his game, creativity does not exist, running at 300kph and inturn coughing it up because you ran too fast is shit football, dont the cats already have wojinski that does this. Cats fans while his currency is sort of inflated for **** knows what reason, give him to gws and score some cheapies. This Pheonix is a turkey in deguise.

You do realise he didn't play in the 2007 Grand Final right? Difficult to have an impact when you're not on the field. I believe the reference was to a) his utterly appalling 2008 Grand Final (only Stokes was worse), and 3 poor quarters in the 2009 Grand Final before a good final quarter.

So he'll never improve? Strange, in 2010 he actually improved a great deal.

 

[Lunchlady Doris]

Promise me that you'll always stay classy.

Hehe, you got it.

 

[grizzlym]

Why did you have to go and do that?