Paul Couch dies: Geelong Brownlow medallist suffers fatal heart attack
LATEST: GEELONG coach Chris Scott and Hawthorn great Jason Dunstall have led a flood of tributes for Paul Couch, who died suddenly this morning while cycling with friends.
VIC News
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GEELONG Brownlow medallist Paul Couch has died after suffering a heart attack while cycling with friends this morning.
The 51-year-old was riding along the Great Ocean Rd in Marengo, near Apollo Bay, when he came off his bike.
It’s believed he went into cardiac arrest and could not be resuscitated.
Victoria Police spokesman Leading Sen-Constable Paul Turner confirmed a 51-year-old Grovedale man had died while riding with friends.
He said the death had been attributed to “some sort of medical condition” and there was no indication another bike or vehicle was involved in the accident.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
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Cats to run out with black armbands to remember Couch
Geelong coach Chris Scott said it was “hard to comprehend” Couch’s sudden death.
“It’s really terrible news,” Scott said before his side’s game against Essendon.
“Couchy was only 51, he’s a great of our football club ... It’s a bit hard to comprehend, it’s really raw at the moment.”
“Our players will wear black armbands today and we’ll take a little bit of time to digest it as best we can and think of the best way to pay tribute to the great man.”
Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall said he was numb when he heard the “star player” had died.
“He is the genuinely brilliant bloke that no one would ever say a bad word about,” Dunstall said.
Cats president Colin Carter said the news stunned Cats players and officials as they gathered for today’s practice match at Shepparton.
“Obviously he’s a great hero and icon of our football club,” Mr Carter said.
“We loved the way he played and I never saw him without that infectious smile on his face.
“He was a great guy to be around. He’ll be greatly missed and we’ll celebrate his memory obviously.”
Geelong assistant coach James Rahilly said Couch was often at the club, having a laugh and supporting the players and staff.
And when the Cats won their drought-breaking premiership in 2007, after missing out in 1989, 1992, 1994 and 1995, Couch was as excited as anyone.
“(He was) a great character who always loved a laugh,” Rahilly said.
“He was one of those guys who was a bit of a practical joker and he really cared for the club and what was going on, especially when we finally won that premiership.
“He was there, he was as emotional as anyone.”
Rahilly said he knew Couch and his family from his time growing up in Warrnambool and said his death was a “tragic loss for the Geelong family”.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to Geraldine and the family, because he was not only a champion of the footy club, but just a great character for the footy club and the community,” he said.
“I know the family and know his wife and I would catch up with Paul now and again.
“It’s a very sad loss and he will be missed.”
Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said Couch was an “icon of the Geelong Football Club and a friend to all who knew him”.
The Cats will wear black armbands to honour Couch in this afternoon’s NAB Challenge match against Essendon in Shepparton.
“With a Brownlow Medal, three best and fairests and selection in the club’s team of the century, Paul’s record speaks for itself,” Cook said.
“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.”
Former coach Malcolm Blight also remembered “a true favourite son ... along with Mark Bairstow and Garry Hocking”.
“He got us into those Grand Finals. We were there because of them,” Blight said.
“That lack of pace really didn’t hinder him.
“He found time and space in the way he moved with that trusty left foot of his.
“He had a great sense of humour and always had a smile on his face.
Famous cat remembered on social media
Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson tweeted: “Incredibly sad news today. The death of a Brownlow medallist ... Family being contacted #RIP.”
And many others today took to social media to mark the Geelong champion’s passing.
Incredibly sad news today. The death of a brownlow medallist ... Family being contacted #RIP
— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) March 5, 2016
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Brownlow medallist, Paul Couch. A true gentleman who will be missed. pic.twitter.com/j5tisqcz5R
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) March 5, 2016
RIP Paul Couch a beaming friendly smile greeted people .Such a delightful person and a champion player. Thinking of family and friends. Kb
— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) March 5, 2016
Very sad to hear about the passing of @GeelongCats Paul Couch. Thoughts with his family & friends from all @AFLPlayers
— AFL Players (@AFLPlayers) March 5, 2016
Sad news on the passing of @geelongcats great Paul Couch. Loved watching him go to work in the 80's and 90's. Thoughts are with Couch family
— Joel Selwood (@joelselwood14) March 5, 2016
So sad to hear of Paul Couch's passing. Thoughts are with all of his family. Loved watching Couchy play as a kid!
— Cameron Ling (@CameronLing) March 5, 2016
The Brownlow medalists of the 80s always sit together on Brownlow night , won't be the same without good mate Paul Couch RIP no 7
— Dipper (@dipperinc) March 5, 2016
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said paramedics were called to the Great Ocean Rd in Marengo, near Apollo Bay, at 8.14am.
He said the patient was found on the side of the road after falling off his bike.
“It’s unknown what’s caused the patient to fall off his bike,” Mr Mullen said.
He said it was believed the man went into cardiac arrest and was unconscious when paramedics arrived.
CPR was already underway when paramedics arrived, and they continued to work on him, but
their attempts to revive him failed.
The paramedics tried to revive him with CPR but he died at the scene.
Couch played 259 games for Geelong and kicked 203 goals.
The midfielder was a popular winner of the 1989 Brownlow Medal and a two-time All Australian.
He won three best-and-fairest awards with Geelong and was named in the club’s team of the century.
Twitter: @tminear
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