Tom Couch says his “body’s had enough” after confirming his retirement from football.
The 36-year-old, who helped Anglesea to its first Bellarine decider in 24 years last year, played most of the finals series with knee and Achilles issues.
“It was fine to manage. But just dealing with those injuries after the season, it takes its toll and affects your quality of life to be able to do the things you want to do.
“So, playing’s not really a priority anymore. It’s about everything else.”
Couch, the son of late 1989 Brownlow medalist Paul, was a talented junior who played for the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup system.
However, Couch did not earn his chance at the highest level until he impressed at the VFL level with Collingwood, having also played state league football with Geelong and Woodville-West Torrens.
He joined Melbourne in the 2012 rookie draft and debuted in Round 16 of that year under current South Barwon coach Mark Neeld, who had been an assistant coach at the Magpies during Couch’s time there.
After being delisted by Melbourne, Couch played VFL and GFNL before heading to Tasmania, where he coached North Launceston to the 2017 TSL premiership.
“I definitely got the most out of myself, so I’m quite content with that,” Coucn said.
“The last probably four years that I played (I) was coaching as well.
“I definitely really enjoyed that part of it, and that helps with the transition to post-playing.
“When I stopped for those three years, I didn’t miss playing, but I missed the coaching aspect of it.
“The last couple of years was a bit of fun to play and then try and help the younger players at Koroit and Anglesea.”
Couch returned to football after a stint as a high-performance manager on the international tennis circuit, including for former partner Danielle Collins, who attracted headlines during the recent Australian Open.
Despite working at the first grand slam of the year, Couch won’t rejoin the tennis world.
Instead, he will focus his energy on being the head of high-performance for VFL club Casey Scorpions, whose best-and-fairest he won in 2012.
Couch operates an online business, Grand Slam Performance, that consults with several Australian and international tennis players.
“I was working with Asaa Muhammad, who made the third round of the doubles,” he said.
“I was around there and keeping an eye on a couple of the juniors as well.
“It was good to be a part of that, but I’m definitely focusing on the footy now.
“I had a couple of offers during AO, but (I’m) very happy with the high-performance role at Casey and one day a week with Melbourne as well.
“The priority now is being based in Melbourne and settled here now.”
Couch is one of four confirmed departures from Ellimatta Reserve, joining Jarod Bacon (Inverleigh), Liam Holland (South Australia), and Max Simpson (overseas).
X: @krockfootball
