A foot injury early in the season held him back from performing in front of prospective recruiters, before Geelong selected him at the end of the first round as the 15th overall pick in the 2005 National Draft.

Varcoe was given the honour of wearing Geelong's number five guernsey, previously worn by club legends Gary Ablett and Polly Farmer.

Shortly after, team mate Max Rooke scored a goal after the final siren to give Geelong a 12-point win.

Varcoe then ran forward with the play, gathering possessions and ultimately converting a goal from inside 50 metres moments later.

[4] Despite being considered past his best during his last year at Geelong, Varcoe has enjoyed a renaissance of form since moving to Collingwood, playing arguably the best football of his career.

[8] Varcoe's sister Maggie died in August 2018, following an on-field collision whilst playing for Angle Vale Football Club in the Adelaide Footy League Grand Final.