The Geelong Football Club and wider AFL community have been left in shock with the sudden death of Brownlow medallist Paul Couch, aged 51.
The husband and father-of-four suffered an apparent heart attack while cycling with friends on the Great Ocean Road in Marengo, 116km southwest of Geelong, on Saturday morning.
Couch played for Geelong from 1985 to 1997.
He won the Brownlow in 1989 and three club best and fairests, played in 259 games including three grand finals and kicked 203 goals during his career with the Cats.
Geelong paid tribute to the former midfielder in a statement released just before they took on Essendon in the NAB Challenge in Shepparton.
"Paul Couch was an icon of the Geelong Football Club and a friend to all who knew him," CEO Brian 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. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him."
Cats coach Chris Scott spoke to Fox Footy before the game and admitted it would be difficult for his players to take the field so soon after the tragedy unfolded.
"It's really terrible news, Couchy was only 51 - he was a great of our football club and really close to a lot of people," Scott said.
"It's a bit hard to comprehend ... it's a bit raw at the moment. Our players will wear black armbands today and take a little bit of time to digest it as best we can and think of the best way we can to pay tribute to the great man."
Essendon players also wore black armbands in tribute to Couch.
Former club president Frank Costa told 3AW radio Couch's death was "a very, very sad occasion".
"He's a bloke that always had a smile on his face for everybody. He's a guy that was sorely missed around the club."
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said Couch was a pivotal player in Geelong's grand final teams and noted that he'd been a three-time All-Australian.
"Paul Couch was a bubbly, infectious figure with a ready smile who was a champion of our game," McLachlan said.
"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."
The AFL said on its Twitter and Facebook accounts the league "extends its deepest sympathy to the family, friends and former teammates of 1989 Brownlow Medallist Paul Couch".
"The Brownlow medallists of the 80s always sit together on Brownlow night, won't be the same without good mate Paul Couch RIP no 7," Hawthorn great Robert `Dipper' DiPierdomenico tweeted.
AFL Players' Association tweeted: "Very sad to hear about the passing of @GeelongCats Paul Couch. Thoughts with his family & friends from all @AFLPlayers."
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