Geelong and Melbourne Stars fast bowler Brody Couch losing his state contract was a major reason for his defection to Northcote, club director Travis Agg believes.
Brody Couch follows up his earlier juggling catch for the Stars with a one-handed stunner to dismiss Chris Green.
Agg said the 23-year-old, who made his Sheffield Shield debut in 2021-22 against NSW, provided “quite a few” reasons for his departure, including a desire to lead an experienced bowling attack.
Couch is heading to the US later this month to play for the San Francisco Unicorns in the new Major League Cricket tournament.
Agg and Cats coach Nick Speak spoke to Couch early this month, before he eventually told the club on June 6 he was leaving to join the Dragons.
Agg said while he was disappointed in Couch’s decision he understood his reasons, including the fact he was living in Melbourne.
Brody Couch celebrates a wicket with Melbourne Stars teammate Glenn Maxwell at the MCG in January, 2022. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images
“It was the catalyst for what has taken place,” Agg said of Couch losing his state contract.
“I think being blindsided by (Cricket Victoria) over his contract probably put him into a bit of a tailspin and I guess for him, Melbourne clubs started circling.
“It’s pretty hard to compete when Melbourne clubs start circling.”
He said Couch essentially thought a move was the best thing for his career.
“Brody’s a smart person, and if he thinks this is the best thing for his career, who are we to challenge that?,” Agg said.
“We’re disappointed, we put a lot of work into him and been really supportive of him over the last couple of years.
“And we thought we could provide an environment which could help him to achieve what he wants to achieve.
“But I also respect his decision, I don’t have to agree with it but I respect it.”
Leading an experienced bowling attack was one reason provided by Couch, Agg said.
“I think there’s pros and cons to that,” he said.
Couch takes a wicket for Geelong against Fitzroy Doncaster in February, 2023. Picture: David Smith.
“Leading an emerging attack in our eyes would set him up better for the future.
“We’re disappointed obviously, but we feel we’ve got a pretty strong, emerging group of bowlers.
“We still think we’ll be able to survive without Brody.
“It is what it is.”
Agg said Couch strongly considered Geelong’s presentation but it felt like his mind was made up.
“I really hope it all works out, he’s a terrific kid, I know it was a hard decision for him,” he said.
“We wish him the best.”
He said there were no indications last summer that Couch might be tempted to swap clubs.
“Not from our end,” he said.
“All the conversations I had with Brody through the cricket season was around the environment, how it’s all going and what next year looks like.”
Couch batting for Geelong against Casey-South Melbourne in March, 2023. Picture: Mark Wilson
Agg said it was a reality of Premier cricket that local players who raised their profile would eventually become vulnerable to offers from Melbourne clubs.
“As soon as they get into state squads … they’re living in Melbourne, it’s only natural Melbourne clubs start to pick the eyes out of what we do,” he said.
“On the flip side of that, we try to talk to Melbourne players.
“It is what it is.
“We don’t have to like it, but we can respect it.”
He said the likes of Aaron Finch, Clinton Peake and Jason Bakker were examples of Geelong-based players who excelled at a higher level despite being based outside Melbourne: “Ultimately it just becomes a choice.”