Altona’s Travis Varcoe coached his last game for Altona on Saturday after announcing he would step down at coach.
Having coached the side the past two seasons, the Vikings announced on Sunday that Varcoe would step down and was looking forward to travelling and having extra family time in 2026.
“These past two years with Trav have seen some incredible growth in our young playing group and it’s all down to Trav’s compassionate and playful tutelage,” the club said.
“A string of unfortunate injuries in our senior list this year meant the season didn’t go as we would have liked.
“Even with these challenges he’s managed and maintained an ever optimistic outlook on the pathway forward.
“Never letting his emotions get in the way of his message, Trav made sure to develop each of our boys with the care and attention that the playing group required.
“Trav has established a solid foundation among our boys, one that we’re certain will be built upon in the coming era. So while his time with us has come to an end, we know that his impact will have a lasting effect on our club.”
The club said players had said it was a privilege to play under and alongside Varcoe
It said his experience and time in football is conveyed in a way that’s uplifting and makes the playing group want to strive to be the best they can for him.
“He’s lead by example and all players genuinely are blown away by how a man at the tail end of his career can still move a ball with the speed and power that Trav does.”
The Vikings finished their season on Saturday with a 14.10 (94)-9.11 (65) loss to Point Cook Centrals.
They finished the season in ninth spot.
