Now that he's training with the club, I thought former VFL listed Magpie Tom Couch deserved a thread of his own.

The following is from the Collingwood Football Club site:-

Tom Couch

No. 56

17/06/88

177 cm 79 kgRecruited from Grovedale/Geelong (VFL)

Son of Paul Couch (1989 Brownlow Medallist) from Geelong.  Playing over in Adelaide for a few seasons before returning to Melbourne.  A solid midfielder.

As I mentioned on the Permission to Train list thread, because of his lack of height,  he would need to have all of his father's attributes - ball winning ability, good user of the footy and a bit of pace. 

He played well for the Pies v Casey in mid season but he didn't appear to be particularly fast and, at his height, that makes it hard for him.  

Trackwatchers at yesterday's session say he acquitted himself well in the running drills. 

He would be well known to Mark Neeld from his time with the Pies. Neeld was also a teammate of Paul Couch throughout his four years with the Cats. 

Tom Couch's 2011 stats with Collingwood VFL:-

Average Disposals 19.6 (5th); Average Contested Possessions 10.5 (3rd); Average Tackles: 5.1 (2nd); Average Clearances: 4.4 (3rd); Average Inside 50s: 3.7 (3rd); Goals: 12.10 (5th).

As you say, at his size and with a reputed lack of leg speed, he would need to be top class at everything else to get anywhere at the top level.

I reckon the other Collingwood top up player WJ mentioned in the Permission to Train thread would be worth a look as well. Tom Sundberg.

I reckon the other Collingwood top up player WJ mentioned in the Permission to Train thread would be worth a look as well. Tom Sundberg.

I think that he will get drafted, if not rookied.

A couple of images:

Small and stocky. Remind you of anyone?

I remember watching Casey play the Pies. Even though Casey belted them. Couch was a stand out for mine! Can kick goals.

Small and stocky. Remind you of anyone?

Valenti?

Valenti?

Well, that's obviously the fear. But against that, you can look at players like Barlow and Pods who languished in the VFL for year after year.

I'd also take someone like Bail - he never really shone at Casey, but seemed a natural at AFL level once he had a few games under his belt.

Difficult to judge Crouch, especially at this age, but at the very least, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. At least we'll get a decent look at him.

Now that he's training with the club, I thought former VFL listed Magpie Tom Couch deserved a thread of his own.

The following is from the Collingwood Football Club site:-

As I mentioned on the Permission to Train list thread, because of his lack of height, he would need to have all of his father's attributes - ball winning ability, good user of the footy and a bit of pace.

He played well for the Pies v Casey in mid season but he didn't appear to be particularly fast and, at his height, that makes it hard for him.

Trackwatchers at yesterday's session say he acquitted himself well in the running drills.

He would be well known to Mark Neeld from his time with the Pies. Neeld was also a teammate of Paul Couch throughout his four years with the Cats.

Tom Couch's 2011 stats with Collingwood VFL:-

Average Disposals 19.6 (5th); Average Contested Possessions 10.5 (3rd); Average Tackles: 5.1 (2nd); Average Clearances: 4.4 (3rd); Average Inside 50s: 3.7 (3rd); Goals: 12.10 (5th).

You forgot to mention his 52% kicking efficiency.

Maybe they're looking at Blair and thinking he could be similar?

Valenti?

Bingo.

Dum question and ignore my ignorance but why havent geelong taken him under father son. They do it for every other player.

Small and stocky. Remind you of anyone?

our whole midfield?

You forgot to mention his 52% kicking efficiency.

Where would that figure have been published?

What now for tom? rookie?

What now for tom? rookie?

If he is still training with us he is a chance.

Think he was always a rookie prospect at best.

If he is still training with us he is a chance.

He is and will be rookied.

for what its worth, Frawley tweeted yesterday about how hard this guy was training. Apparently their living together while he trains with the dees

for what its worth, Frawley tweeted yesterday about how hard this guy was training. Apparently their living together while he trains with the dees

i can confirm this.

Edited November 29, 201114 yr by robbo king

He is and will be rookied.

I have had a good look at him over the last few weeks and I am starting to agree that he will get rookied. 

Couch has really put in at training and would be far ahead of other potential draftees. He seems to have fitted in well and looks good. 

If he is rookied, I wish him all the best. At least we know he is fit and has a great attitude.