Couch set the tone for hard work in North Ballarat Roosters’ engine room for a comeback and two-point win against the then-reigning premier on the Hawks’ turf. Play was wet and muddy just as expected this week.

The Roosters were never supposed to win that game, just like most assume they will struggle against the high-flying rival on Saturday. They booted five goals to one in that final term to snatch victory.

Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald said Couch’s character and work ethic was an important inclusion for such a big match. And the fact Couch was such a good player.

FitzGerald watched Couch’s game first-hand at Gordon last week, his third consecutive outing for Central Highlands club Springbank returning from a knee injury.

“I watched his running and focused on his recovery (in the contest) and if he could change direction without losing any power,” FitzGerald said.

“I wanted to see how he pulled up through the week and how involved he was at training first before we named him.”

The Hawks are the clear VFL leaders and FitzGerald said his players are more than aware this will be a challenge but the past month the Roosters had tightened their defensive work and ability to stay in the contest for longer periods. 

This will be a telling test in how well the Roosters really measure up.

BOX HILL v ROOSTERS 

at Box Hill City Oval

Saturday, noon start

ROOSTERS TEAM – B: Lockyer Tippett* Schache. HB: Warren# Boseley Kiel. C: McKenzie* Dumont* Scott. HF: Couch Keeble Thomas*. F: George Black* A Hooper. R: Marshall Sewell Rippon. Inter: Tsitas Preuss# Bacon Staley Blake^.

Emerg: Bolton Lyle Lanyon Youl.

*North Melb Listed #North Melb rookie ^23rd player