Travis Varcoe enjoyed a solid performance on Saturday in his first AFL game in 12 weeks after overcoming a shoulder injury.

With eight disposals and nine tackles, the speedster admitted to Cats TV post-game he was glad to be back.

“Well 12 weeks off, I’ve had a lot to think about, watching the boys play pretty good footy over those 12 weeks and building into it, it was good to get back out there and amongst it.”

Starting off forward, Varcoe was moved back, conceding he is without a specific role on match days and plays wherever the team needs him.

Despite the soggy conditions, the Cats went in with a defensive mindset which kept the Demons to the lowest ever inside-50 total in the history of the game.

“I think we averaged 58 points against Freo and Hawthorn and they’re two of the most defensive sides.

“We just wanted to go in with a defensive mindset and try and keep them under 60 (points).

“I thought the boys defended really well, forward pressure was great, it was good to be out there with a bit of speed and the boys reaped the rewards in the end.”

With the Crows next week Varcoe echoes the club’s belief.

“We have just got to keep building and put ourselves in a position to contend, it’s all building towards the end of the season.

“Anything could happen later in the season so we’ve just got to keep chipping away at what we’re doing and have faith in our systems.”


Click on the video above to watch the complete interview with Travis Varcoe.