Paul Couch
Encyclopedia
Paul Couch is a retired Australian rules football
er 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
.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er who played for Geelong
Geelong Football Club
The Geelong Football Club, nicknamed The Cats, is a professional Australian rules football club, named after and based in the city of Geelong, playing in the Australian Football League . The club has been the VFL/AFL premiers nine times, with a record equalling 3 in the AFL era. Geelong has also...
in the Australian Football League
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
.
Prior to playing with Geelong, Couch initially tried out with Fitzroy
Fitzroy Football Club
The Fitzroy Football Club, formerly nicknamed The Lions, is an Australian rules football club formed in 1883 to represent the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy, Victoria and was a foundation member club of the Victorian Football League on its inception in 1897...
, 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
Warrnambool Football Club
The Warrnambool Football Club are an Australian rules football club which compete in the Hampden Football League.Warrnambool are based in the city of the same name and have played in the Hampden Football League since 1933.-Maskell Medallists:...
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
Centre line
The Centre line refers to a set of positions on an Australian rules football field.It consists of 3 players, two on the wings , and one in the centre....
", 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
Carji Greeves Medal
The Carji Greeves Medal is an Australian rules football award given to the player adjudged Best and Fairest for the Geelong Football Club for the season....
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
West Coast Eagles
The West Coast Eagles are an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League. The club is based in Perth, Western Australia. The club was founded in 1986 and played its first games in the 1987 season. Its current home ground is Subiaco Oval...
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
Mark bairstow
Mark Bairstow is a former Australian rules footballer who played in both the Australian Football League and the West Australian Football League .-WAFL career:...
, both servicing career-forward Billy Brownless
Billy Brownless
Anthony William "Billy" Brownless is a former Australian rules footballer with the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League and media personality.- Football career :...
and Gary Ablett with pin-point passes.
His nephew, Nick Couch, plays for the North Ballarat Football Club
North Ballarat Football Club
North Ballarat Football Club, nicknamed The Roosters, is an Australian rules football club based at Northern Oval in Ballarat. The club is locally known as the Roosters and plays in the Victorian Football League are current competition premiers and one of only four clubs based outside of Melbourne...
.