At the age of nine, Varnhagen started playing Australian rules football with the boys' team at the primary school in Happy Valley, where she was raised.

Varnhagen continued playing junior football with the boys' team at Plympton, captaining them and winning the best and fairest award.

[7] Phil Harper, the General Manager of Football Administration, who had coached her at Happy Valley said that "she was a bit of a star all along.

"[2] She made her debut in the thirty-six point win against Greater Western Sydney at Thebarton Oval in the opening round of the 2017 season,[8] kicking a goal, tallying twelve disposals, and catching a team-high four marks.

[2] She helped Adelaide claim their first premiership, scoring a goal in the club's six point victory over Brisbane at Metricon Stadium in the AFL Women's Grand Final.