Geelong Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel believes that Travis Varcoe is set to announce himself as the newest star in the AFL.

Bartel noted that Gary Ablett’s move north will see greater opportunity in the midfield and that Varcoe is perfectly placed to take advantage.

“Ironically, it is the player wearing Gaz's father's jumper, No.5, who is set to benefit most. Travis Varcoe is ready to announce himself to the competition. In the second half of last year, he started to mature and really take on games,” Bartel wrote in his first column in the Sunday Herald Sun.

“People forget he came to us when he was young and had a serious foot injury, so it's been a long journey to get into the team and to follow the natural progression from permanent small forward to moving up the ground.

“With age, I think he's started to realise his talents, but a big turning point came when he went to Ireland last year and represented Australia in the International Rules series.

“Being surrounded by all the gun players from other clubs, I think he started to feel like he belonged, which hopefully will be translated into his impact on games.”

Varcoe has played 76 games and booted 82 goals since debuting in round 2, 2007. He played a key role in the 2009 grand final win over St Kilda and will again line up against the Saints on Friday night.