Former Geelong footballer and winner of the 1989 Brownlow Medal Paul Couch has died, aged 51.
Couch played more than 259 games for the Cats between 1985 and 1997, kicking 203 goals in his career.
He appeared in four grand finals for Geelong, in an era where the club was unable to claim a premiership victory.
Geelong Football Club patron Frank Costa said he believed Couch died of a heart attack while riding his bike.
"Paul was only 51 years of age, only a young man, and of course being a very fit AFL footballer and a champion at that ... you would not expect him to suffer from any serious physical problem," he said.
"Obviously there must have been some sort of heart condition that got stressed when he was riding his bike this morning."
Police confirmed emergency services were called to the Great Ocean Road in Marengo following reports a man had died after coming off his bike about 8:40am.
"The 51-year-old Grovedale man was riding with people known to him," Leading Senior Constable Paul Turner said in a statement.
"At this early stage, his death is being attributed to some sort of medical condition.
"No other vehicle or bike was involved in the incident and police will prepare a report for the coroner."
Couch is survived by his wife and four children.
