Paul Couch

Paul Couch (born 19 July 1964) is a retired Australian rules footballer who played for Geelong in the Australian Football League.

Prior to playing with Geelong, Couch initially tried out with Fitzroy, but was rejected for being too slow.

"Couchy" played 259 games and kicked 203 goals for the Cats from 1985 to 1997, and won the coveted Brownlow Medal in 1989. He was recruited from Warrnambool and, though never blessed with pace and very "one-sided" on his trusty left boot, had the ability to make position and place his team to advantage throughout twelve (often knee-injury ridden) years.

As a traditional "centreman", he was the pivot for the outstanding teams of 1989–1995 and though the Club failed to win a premiership during that time, it was little fault of Paul's. Although lacking outright pace, he had a strong work-ethic along with a good football brain and exquisite disposal skills. This made Couch a highly respected centreman during his career.

Paul represented Victoria five times, was named All-Australian 2 times (1991, 1992) and won three club best-and-fairest awards (1986, 1989, 1995), as well as being named in the Club's Team of the Century.

He was judged best on ground in his 250th match against the West Coast Eagles at Skilled Stadium.

Couch is well known for carrying a broad, toothy smile, and formed an excellent partnership in the midfielder with good friend, Mark Bairstow, both servicing career-forward Billy Brownless and Gary Ablett with pin-point passes.

His nephew, Nick Couch, plays for the North Ballarat Football Club.

External links

• Paul Couch's profile on the Official AFL Website of the Geelong Football Club