I just don't see what Varcoe offers at this point. He's already 29, so isn't going to get any better. He spends half the season injured, then seems to be an automatic in when fit (his latest senior return came on the back of an 11 disposal, 0 goal, 1 tackle VFL performance). He's not as quick as he once was (due to age and injury), and his "clean ball use" is negated by the fact that he barely touches the thing, and has a knack for selling teammates into trouble by dishing off handballs to guys who are under the pump. He doesn't kick goals or create for others anymore, he's a clueless defender (always a step behind his man or the play), and his tackling has dropped right away. He basically just does a lot of useless running and sheepdogging around packs these days, reminiscent of Chris Egan once upon a time. The idea of what he should be is much greater than the reality at this point, and it seems like we're perpetually waiting for him to get his body right and produce good footy, and I just don't see it happening. I'd rather put the same time and patience into someone younger, with more potential upside.
I've seen nothing impressive from Crocker either, and don't really think he has the potential to be anything more than an average 13-15 disposal, 1-1.5 goal a game half forward. That being said, I'd rather put the time into someone like him than Varcoe. If he stays, Crocker is one of a number of young guys on our list who I'd like to slap on 4-5kg of muscle this off-season.
This is also Cox's 3rd year on our list, not the 5th. Pretty sure it's upgrade or delist after three years on the Rookie List, isn't it? Or is it four years for Cat B/International Rookies?