Deni Varnhagen

AFL Women's career

Varnhagen was drafted by Adelaide with their fourth selection and twenty-sixth overall in the 2016 AFL Women's draft. Phil Harper, the General Manager of Football Administration, who had coached her at Happy Valley said that "she was a bit of a star all along." kicking a goal, tallying twelve disposals, and catching a team-high four marks. She played every match in her debut season to finish with eight matches. Adelaide signed Varnhagen for the 2018 season during the trade period in May 2017. In 2019, Varnhagen helped Adelaide became a dual premiership player, helping Adelaide claim their second premiership. She won Adelaide's Best Defensive Player award, averaging a career-best 11 disposals, 2.1 tackles and 1.9 rebound 50s per game. As well as her defensive pressure, she also kicked four goals and delivered 45 inside 50s. In 2021, Varnhagen was the source of some controversy after refusing to be vaccinated for COVID-19. At the time, the league did not have a vaccination policy. After the league released its policy, stating that all players and staff must receive their first vaccination by 19 November and be fully vaccinated by 17 December, Varnhagen and the club mutually agreed to place her on the inactive list. She returned to playing for Adelaide in 2023, after the league dropped the vaccination requirement.