Fairfax Media understands that Couch is one of a shortlist of three candidates left in the race to fill the position left vacant with the move of two-time State League premiership coach Zane Littlejohn to a development role with the Brisbane Lions.

It is believed that two of the remaining candidates are from interstate and one is an internal applicant from this year’s coaching staff.

A 28-year-old, Couch was picked up in the 2011 AFL rookie draft and played three AFL games for Melbourne over two seasons before being delisted at the end of the 2013 season.

An inside midfielder, he has played VFL football with Richmond and Collingwood and was Richmond’s strength and conditioning coach this year.

He won a best and fairest with Melbourne’s VFL affiliate the Casey Scorpions in 2012 and finished runner-up in the Liston Trophy the same year.

Couch has also travelled the world working closely with professional tennis players in preparation for major tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

He has also specialized in AFL junior development for youngsters aspiring to play AFL football and has been a fitness consultant for multiple local football clubs across the country.

It is understood that Couch will fill the Academy coaching role in the North of the state with the Northern Bombers having already stated their preference for the successful applicant to fill a dual role as their senior coach.

North expects to bring the two external candidates to Launceston this week for a tour of the club and further discussions before making a final decision.

The club plans to make an announcement of their new coach by the end of the month. 

It is understood Couch has future ambitions to become an AFL coach.