Paul Couch passes away: AFL world mourns loss of Geelong Cats champion and Brownlow Medallist

FORMER Geelong president Frank Costa has led an array of tributes for Brownlow Medallist Paul Couch, who passed away on Saturday. REACTION

1989. Geelong's Paul Couch, winner of the 1989 Brownlow Medal.

FORMER Geelong president Frank Costa has led an array of tributes for Brownlow Medallist Paul Couch, who passed away on Saturday.

Couch died after suffering a heart attack while cycling with friends. 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.

“It is a very, very sad occasion,” Costa told 3AW.

“He was a young man, a very fine fellow, a bloke who always had a smile on his face for everybody, a guy who will be very sorely missed around the club.

Geelong's Paul Couch died on Saturday morning. Picture: Darren Tindale

Costa remembers “a very quiet, young country lad” when he arrived at the Cats during the mid 1980s, but said he quickly “gained confidence and personality around the club.”

Costa said Couch, the 1989 Brownlow Medallist, thrived once he moved into a midfield spot vacated by Greg Williams.

“He absolutely blossomed, he was a dominant player with a wonderful left-foot kick,” Costa said.

“He was a happy person, he always had a smile, cheery and if anyone wanted to have a word with him he’d stop and give you time. He had a happy nature — there’s not enough of them and he’s one we’re very sad to lose.

“He was easily approached by everybody … a very active guy.”

The news of Couch’s passing came just hours before Geelong’s NAB Challenge clash with Essendon in Shepparton.

Coach Chris Scott told Fox Footy pre-game it was “terrible news”.

“Couchy was only 51 and was a great of our football club. He was really close to a lot of people at our club,” Scott said.

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

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time. The players of both sides will wear black armbands today.

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) March 5, 2016

“It’s a bit hard to comprehend and it’s really raw at the moment.

Scott said both Cats and Bombers players would wear black armbands.

“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,” Scott said.

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan passed on his deepest sympathy to the family, friends and former teammates of Couch — a three-time best and fairest and three-time All Australian with the Cats.

“Paul Couch was a bubbly, infectious figure with a ready smile who was a champion of our game,” Mr 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, as 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.”

Malcolm Blight, who coached Couch at the Cats, said the left-footer was “a true favourite son”.

“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.”

Paul Couch was also involved in the media.

Fox Footy commentator and Hawthorn great Jason Dunstall, who played against Couch during the 1980s and 90s, said he was “numb” when he heard the news.

“It’s not just sad for Geelong, it’s sad for the entire AFL community,” Dunstall said.

“This is a bloke that wasn’t just a star footballer, he was the genuinely brilliant bloke that no one would ever say a bad word about.”

Jonathan Brown added: “As a kid I would love to go to Kardinia Park and see Paul Couch wheel out on his left foot and put it down Gary Ablett’s throat. It was a sight to see.”

Here is how folks on social media reacted to the news.

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

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

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

Sad day for footy! Paul one of the good guys, gone far to soon! Thoughts with @tom_couch and his family today!!

— Sam Blease (@Sam_Blease) March 5, 2016

Shocked to hear of death of Paul Couch while riding bike. Former colleague @ Ch7. Always fun company

— Drew Morphett OAM (@drewmorphett) March 5, 2016

RIP Couchy, a fantastic mentor for myself throughout my junior footy days. Thoughts are with Tom, Joe and the whole Couch family

— Taylor Adams (@taylor_adams13) March 5, 2016

Terribly sad hearing the news about Paul Couch passing. Thoughts & prayers go out to Geraldine, kids & @GeelongCats family #RIPCouchy

— Ben Graham (@bengraham7) March 5, 2016

Vale Paul Couch. Was a great in the art of the "old school" centreman. A joy to watch.

— Daniel Harford (@HarfSerious) March 5, 2016

So very sad to hear of sudden passing of Paul Couch. He was 1 of my favs growing up. He was a champ #brownlowmedallist @GeelongCats #rip

— Rebecca Maddern (@RebeccaMaddern7) March 5, 2016

Hard to believe... #RIP https://t.co/ZBLwt9oHEM

— Andrew Mackie (@AndrewMackie_4) March 5, 2016

P Couch was simply a great man.. Always had a story to tell, always happy to help you out #RIP

— Scott Gullan (@gullanHeraldSun) March 5, 2016

Terrible news about Paul Couch. Thoughts from all at @AFLPlayers with his family.

— Paul Marsh (@Marsh_Paul) March 5, 2016

Never, ever saw Couchy without a smile on his face. Terribly sad news.

— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherSEN) March 5, 2016

Originally published as Paul Couch passes away: AFL world mourns loss of Geelong Cats champion and Brownlow Medallist