Couch sustained a serious hamstring strain in North Ballarat Roosters’ trip to Essendon spiritual base Windy Hill on Saturday. While Couch has been walking fine early this week, the nature of the injury will keep him from the field in most of the Roosters’ five remaining matches.

Essendon marked Couch’s second Victorian Football League game back from a recurring knee injury. Couch made his VFL season debut a week earlier with a solid effort against ladder-leader Box Hill. He returned via a sound lead-up program that included three consecutive games for Central Highlands club Springbank.

Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald said it was an unfortunate blow for Couch, who had taken every pre-caution to get back on the field.

The Roosters will continue to monitor midfield-forward Liam Hoy, in his continued return from an ankle injury.

FitzGerald said heavy grounds had created a few tired legs. Most players opted for a  mid-week spin class to freshen up for hosting the spirited Frankston at Eureka Stadium on Saturday.