Geelong speedster Travis Varcoe has lasted just one quarter in his AFL comeback from a foot injury.

Saturday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium was Varcoe’s first AFL match since starring in last year’s grand final win.

But he went into the rooms at quarter time and did not return before being subbed out of the game early in the second quarter.

Coach Chris Scott said at halftime it was an ankle injury and he was confident Varcoe would be fit to play against Sydney at Simonds Stadium next Saturday.

Varcoe’s right ankle was caught underneath him when he went to ground while tackling Bulldog Nathan Djerrkura in the first term.

The 24-year-old sustained foot stress fractures in January and had several setbacks in his recovery before finally making a VFL comeback last weekend.