Couch was named Melbourne’s mid-season nominated rookie on Thursday, meaning he is eligible for senior selection for the rest of 2012.
The midfielder has showed some fine form for the Scorpions in the VFL this season, highlighted by four goals and 25 disposals against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields last Sunday.
The 24-year-old had spent time on the senior list this season, but went back to the rookie list in the lead-up to round 14, when Neville Jetta returned from the long-term injury list.
Couch has worked hard for his opportunity, having honed his craft via the TAC Cup, VCFL, SANFL and VFL.
He played with Geelong Falcons, St Josephs Geelong, Woodville West Torrens, Glenelg, Bell Park and Collingwood VFL, before he was selected by Melbourne at No.24 in last December’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
Couch will be the third player to make his AFL debut for Melbourne this year and the fifth to represent the Demons for the first time in 2012.
He joins Mitch Clark, James Magner, Josh Tynan and James Sellar as those who have worn the red and blue for the first time this year.
Paul Couch played 259 matches for Geelong from 1985-97.
He was named in Geelong’s team of the century and won three best and fairest for the Cats in 1986, 1989 and 1995.
