AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan today said he wished to pass on his deepest sympathy to the family, friends and former teammates of 1989 Brownlow Medallist Paul Couch, who died earlier today. 

Couch, a three-time best and fairest and three-time All Australian with the Geelong Cats during a 259-game career between 1985-97, passed away at Apollo Bay today, shocking all who knew the popular centreman. 

"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."