Paul Couch, a Geelong Cats legend, has died at the age of 51.
Couch, who played for Geelong from 1985 to 1997 and won the Brownlow Medal in 1989, is thought to have died of a heart attack while cycling with friends.
On social media, tributes to the 51-year-old former AFL midfielder have poured in.
Couch was described as “an icon” by Geelong CEO Brian Cook in a statement.
“With a Brownlow Medal, three best and fairests and selection in the club’s team of the century, Paul’s record speaks for itself,” he said.
“Paul was a critical player in returning the club to being a regular finals team and was a great big game performer,” that’s what he said.
“However, it was as a fun-loving person, husband, and father that Paul excelled. “He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Former club president Frank Costa described Couch’s death as “a very, very sad occasion” on 3AW radio.
“He’s a bloke that always had a smile on his face for everybody, he’s a guy that was sorely missed around the club.”
Couch died after collapsing on the Great Ocean Road in Marengo on Saturday morning, according to police.
He’d been cycling with some friends.
“At this early stage, his death is being attributed to some sort of medical condition,” said police spokesman Leading Senior Constable Paul Turner, adding that no other vehicle was involved.
Couch played 259 games for Geelong, including three Grand Finals, and scored 203 goals.
“He was a dominating bloke around the centre, with a wonderful left foot kick,” Costa recalled. “He was terrific.”
“He was active at the club, attending games with former players.” He was always involved, a very active person.”
The AFL said on Twitter and Facebook that it “extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and former teammates of 1989 Brownlow Medallist Paul Couch.”
“Very sad to hear about the passing of @GeelongCats Paul Couch,” the AFL Players’ Association tweeted. @AFLPlayers sends their condolences to his family and friends.”
Darryn Lyons, Mayor of Geelong, said he was “saddened to hear” of Couch’s death and tweeted, “Thinking of his family during this time.”
“The Brownlow medallists of the 1980s always sit together on Brownlow night, it won’t be the same without good mate Paul Couch RIP no 7,” Hawthorn legend Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico tweeted.
The news of Couch’s death broke just as his former team was about to face Essendon in the NAB Challenge in Shepparton.
The Geelong Cats confirmed on Twitter that both teams would wear black armbands during the game in memory of Couch.
Just before the game, Essendon Football Club tweeted, “Our thoughts are with the Couch family and the Geelong footy club.”
© AAP 2023
Leave a Reply