Vale Paul Couch, 1964-2016 - AFL.com.au

Vale Paul Couch, 1964-2016

Peter Ryan and Callum Twomey March 5, 2016 1:40 PM

THE FOOTBALL world is in shock with the news that 1989 Brownlow medallist Paul Couch has died.

The former Geelong champion was 51.

It is understood Couch suffered a heart attack while riding a bicycle on Saturday morning on the Great Ocean Road near Apollo Bay in westernVictoria.

Couch played in four Grand Finals in 259 games for the Cats between 1985 and 1997.

He won three best and fairest awards for Geelong and was a popular Brownlow medallist when he won the trophy aged just 25.

The Cats confirmed the news on Saturday afternoon, calling Couch "an icon" and "a friend to all who knew him".

"Paul was a critical player in returning the club to being a regularfinals team and was a great big-game performer," club CEO Brian Cook said.

"However it was as a fun-loving person, husband and father that Paulexcelled. We pass on our deepest condolences to Paul's family andfriends at this very sad time.

"Paul remained close to many at the club and to his teammates fromthe 1980s and 1990s. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him."

The AFL also offered its condolences in a statement.

"Paul Couch was a bubbly, infectious figure with a ready smile who was a champion of our game," League CEO Gillon 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, mas 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."

Couch was named on the interchange bench in the Geelong Team of the Century, selected in 2001.

From Boggy Creek in Victoria's southwest district, he was a popularfigure in the Geelong region, known for his knockabout approach to life.

Couch's son, Tom, played three games with Melbourne in 2012, and now plays with Collingwood's VFL side.

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Vale Paul Couch, 1964-2016 - AFL.com.au