AFL list updates: Travis Varcoe joins Western Bulldogs as development coach
Travis Varcoe is heading to the Western Bulldogs next season and he’s excited about teaming up with No.1 pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
AFL
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Two-time Geelong premiership player Travis Varcoe has joined the Western Bulldogs as a development coach and mentor to No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Varcoe, who hung up the boots at the end of the 2020 season following a stellar 15-year career with the Cats and then Collingwood, joins the Bulldogs after the departure of Jordan Russell to North Melbourne.
Varcoe, who played 230 games for the Cats and Pies, will join the Bulldog’s AFL development coaching team.
He is the third coach in the AFL system currently who has an Indigenous background after Chance Bateman left West Coast at the end of the season.
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The Bulldogs said he would also act as a mentor to Ugle-Hagan, who club were able to take at No.1 in last week’s draft through their Next Generation Academy, and would also be involved in their Reconciliation Action Plan activities and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation program.
“I’m rapt with this opportunity to join the Bulldogs in an exciting new role,” Varcoe said.
“After a long time in the game as a player, I believe I have plenty to offer in guiding the players and tapping into the experience I’ve developed, as well as working with Bevo (Luke Beveridge) and the other coaches.
“Watching from afar, I’ve been impressed with the development of the Bulldogs’ young playing list. They have some great talent at their disposal, and I’m excited to play my part as they continue their growth.
“I’m especially looking forward to working with Jamarra, and getting involved in the club’s indigenous and community programming. I know their work in that space is genuine, and I believe I can strengthen that even further.”
Bulldogs head of football Chris Grant said Varcoe would bring “many strong qualities” to the role that would benefit players and coaches.
“To be able to combine the football aspect of his role with the incredible work the club is doing in the indigenous space and in the community, is something which will benefit us greatly,” he said.
The Bulldogs will look to separately appoint a VFL coach for the 2021 season and the search to fill that role is ongoing.
Could discarded Demon bolster Blues’ back six?
- Sam Landsberger
Carlton is considering throwing key defender Oscar McDonald an AFL lifeline.
The delisted Demon is expected to earn an invitation to pre-season training at the Blues, where he can press his claims for a late call-up to coach David Teague’s rookie list.
McDonald played all 25 games in his breakout 2018 campaign, before falling rapidly out of favour over the past 18 months.
The Ballarat boy played 81 games in six years at Melbourne and would provide further reinforcement for the Blues’ back six.
Carlton is still working through its pre-season training invitations and will settle on a list of names by the end of the week.
While McDonald, 24, has not yet officially received his letter, he is likely to make the cut.
Collingwood discard Matthew Scharenberg, 25, is another defender hoping to earn a second chance and could also hold appeal for the Blues.
Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams described Scharenberg as the best schoolboy footballer he had seen since Wayne Carey, and Scharenberg was drafted at No. 6 in 2013.
But Scharenberg managed just 41 games at the Magpies as he battled three knee reconstructions.
Players invited to participate in pre-season training at AFL clubs are paid $1000 per week.
The Blues have been active in that space, with Josh Deluca, Lukas Webb, Matthew Cottrell and success story Michael Gibbons all earning call-ups in the past two years.
Clubs with vacant rookie list spots can officially sign players in the supplemental selection period, which runs from January 6 until March 9.
Dog pulls pin with a year left on contract
- Matt Turner
Western Bulldogs forward Sam Lloyd has pulled the pin on his AFL career with a year to run on his contract.
Lloyd, who played 89 games and kicked 114 goals for the Bulldogs and Richmond, told teammates of his decision this week.
His departure allows the Dogs to add a player via the pre-season supplemental selection period or in next year’s mid-season rookie draft.
Lloyd joined Richmond as a mature-age recruit at the end of 2013 and famously kicked a goal after the siren to help the Tigers beat Sydney by one point in 2016.
He crossed to the Bulldogs ahead of the 2019 campaign, playing all 23 games in his first season and leading the club’s goalkicking with 38.
But he added just nine matches and seven majors this year, as he battled a broken collarbone.
Lloyd said the timing was right to pull the pin.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision over the last few weeks and months,” Lloyd said.
“I have a chance to pursue some exciting business opportunities outside of the football industry and I’m keen to take on a different challenge.
“Playing AFL has been an amazing experience and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved on the field.
“I’m extremely grateful to have represented two great clubs, who have given me the chance to live out a boyhood dream.
“I’m thankful to everyone who’s helped me along the road on my football journey.”
Bulldogs list and recruiting manager Sam Power said the club respected Lloyd’s decision.
“Sam should be extremely proud of what he’s achieved over his career, both at Richmond and the Bulldogs,” Power said.
“Over the last two years Sam has been a strong leader for our young group and he has proven to be a respected and admired teammate.
“We wish him all the best for the next phase of his life, and he knows he will always be welcome at our club.”
Originally published as AFL list updates: Travis Varcoe joins Western Bulldogs as development coach
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