12 Facts About Deni Varnhagen

Deni Varnhagen was born on 26 October 1992 and is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Adelaide Football Club in the AFL Women's competition.

At the age of nine, Varnhagen started playing Australian rules football with the boys' team at the primary school in Happy Valley, where she was raised.

Deni Varnhagen's coach was Phil Harper, who later on became the General Manager of Football Administration at Adelaide while Varnhagen played for them.

Deni Varnhagen continued playing junior football with the boys' team at Plympton, captaining them and winning the best and fairest award.

Deni Varnhagen was named among South Australia's best, leading them to a two point victory while topping the disposal tally with 20 kicks and five handballs.

Deni Varnhagen was drafted by Adelaide with their fourth selection and twenty-sixth overall in the 2016 AFL Women's draft.

Deni Varnhagen helped Adelaide claim their first premiership, scoring a goal in the club's six point victory over Brisbane at Metricon Stadium in the AFL Women's Grand Final.

Deni Varnhagen played every match in her debut season to finish with eight matches.

In 2019, Deni Varnhagen helped Adelaide became a dual premiership player, helping Adelaide claim their second premiership.

Deni Varnhagen won Adelaide's Best Defensive Player award, averaging a career-best 11 disposals, 2.1 tackles and 1.9 rebound 50s per game.

In 2021, Deni Varnhagen was the source of some controversy after refusing to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Deni Varnhagen returned to playing for Adelaide in 2023, after the league dropped the vaccination requirement.