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When I think of Paul Couch I think of a great Geelong player, Brownlow medallist, country boy with an infectious smile, loved by all in the AFL community, loving husband and father of four.
When I think of his tragic passing I think of the incredible loss of life at such a young age. Couch was only 51, I’m 42 with two young daughters. Paul was an incredible talent, physically fit and an AFL great and I don’t think I could run 100 metres to save myself.
On Saturday when I learnt of his passing, I was overwhelmed, I immediately thought of the memories I had of Paul and the impact he had on the game I love. He made his debut in Round 5 1985 versus North Melbourne at Kardinia Park and played a total of 259 VFL/AFL games for the Cats. He also represented Victoria at State level on five occasions between 1989 and 1995.
His accolades include winning the Brownlow Medal in 1989, winning the Geelong best and fairest on three occasions in 1986, 1989 and 1995. He played a leading role in Geelong’s fightback in the second half of the 1989 grand final against the Hawks in what I believe was the best grand final ever played.
After a relatively quiet first half, Couch and his best mate Mark Bairstow started to work the Cats back into the match and provided plenty of ball to Gary Ablett. Sadly the siren sounded with the Cats falling by 6 points. Geelong played in lots of finals in the 90s but couldn’t win the flag. 1989 was the closest they got.
Armed with a lethal left foot Couch was one of Geelong’s best players during his career, playing in the centre he was the driving force for the Cats during that era. Since his retirement from football in 1997, he has kept a close association with the club and will be sorely missed.
Born in 1964 in Warrnambool, he played his junior football with the Warrnambool Football club where his father Bill won four premierships, his son currently plays for the Collingwood reserves in the VFL having played three senior games for Melbourne.
He was named in Geelong’s team of the century and was a well respected player, as well as universally loved by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.
As a North Melbourne supporter it pains me to talk about it even 22 years later but one of my memories of Paul Couch was the 1994 preliminary final between Geelong and North Melbourne. Couch was dominant that day even after being ironed out by David King at the opening bounce.
The game was an epic struggle, Couch willed his team over the line as he did regularly throughout a great career.
The AFL community has lost a true champion of the game.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan extended his deepest sympathy to the family, friends and former teammates of Couch.
“Paul Couch was a bubbly, infectious figure with a ready smile who was a champion of our game,” Mr McLachlan said.
“His Geelong teams contested four grand finals across his career as a high-scoring and entertaining team to watch, with Couch pivotal to the regular forays deep into September.
“He was a consistent State of Origin representative and among the very best midfielders in the game his time, as evidenced by his stellar record.
“Off the field, he always presented with a large ready smile and was incredibly popular with all his peers. Our sincere condolences go out to his family from all the football community, which will greatly miss him.”
Cats chief executive Brian Cook issued a statement about the tragic passing.
“Paul Couch was an icon of the Geelong Football Club and a friend to all who knew him,” Cook said.
“With a Brownlow Medal, three best and fairests and selection in the club’s team of the century, Paul’s record speaks for itself.
“Paul was a critical player in returning the club to being a regular finals team and was a great big game performer.
“However it was as a fun loving person, husband and father that Paul excelled.
“We pass on our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“Paul remained close to many at the club and to his teammates from the 1980s and 1990s. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.”
Couch is survived his wife Geraldine and four children.
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