Just reward for unlucky Vardy

NATHAN Vardy learned the value of resilience during seven seasons at Geelong, and now the fit-again big man is reaping the rewards.

Vardy has played 21 games during his first season with West Coast, almost doubling his career tally. The 26-yearold was drafted in 2009 but suffered through foot, ankle, knee, groin, hip, shoulder, back and pelvis setbacks of varying severity during the ensuing seven years.

His athleticism and flexibility meant he served the Cats as a forward capable of pinch-hitting in the ruck, a roaming ruck-forward, and a mobile ruckman at various points.

Dean Cox, West Coast’s six-time AllAustralian ruckman who now sits in the coaches’ box, has been helping Vardy with his tap work.

“He’s always been honest and upfront with how he’s feeling, how he reflects on his game. It’s a great trait to have,” Cox said.

“He’s had a lot of setbacks throughout his career but worked extremely hard. With the circumstances [caused by injuries to Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett] there was a window to work with someone who hadn’t rucked too much but had a lot of attributes that could develop into a consistent performer.”

Vardy fit that bill and has impressed from day one of the pre-season.

“He’s performed really well — doing a full pre-season has helped, he’s certainly got a lot more confidence in his body and that is starting to show,” Cox said.