Paul Couch

It has been just a couple of days since the passing of AFL legend Paul Couch. Paul has made the Geelong Cat's team of the century, but how many people actually know who he is? For many young teenagers like myself, Paul Couch was playing well before we were born. So how good was he? What did he accomplish? Well let's take a look at the career of a true legend of the game, Paul Couch.

Paul Couch was born in Warrnambool in 1964 and made his debut at 21 years of age, for Geelong. He went on to represent the cats 259 times and is remembered at his club for having a great work ethic. Although, he wasn't the most conventional footballer. He played in the centre yet lacked pace, and was even rejected from Fitzroy for being too slow. Also, he was a one-dimensional kick, nearly always using his left foot. However, it was his 'good football brain' and his ability to dispose of the football that separated him from the rest of the AFL.

After a solid first few seasons where Couch averaged over 20 disposals a game, he reached his peak during the 1989 season. Leading Geelong to a Grand Final birth, Crouch racked up 700 disposals for the season which led to his first Brownlow Medal. He snuck in 23 goals for the season, to go with 82 marks and 56 tackles.

Although, in just his second season with Geelong he claimed his first Best and Fairest medal, This was the first of three, claiming one in his Brownlow medal season and one several years later in 1995. Paul Crouch didn't become an All Australian until 1991, before again making the team in 1995. In 2006 he gained one of the highest honours at the Geelong football club, becoming a life member.

Unfortunately, this fantastic footballer's life was cut short two days ago, when he suffered a heart attack at Apollo Bay while Cycling with friends. It was a very unexpected death and certainly a very tragic one. He will be missed in the football world, and he will be remembered for his broad, toothy smile as well as his freakish football talent.