The reigning State League premiership coach, turned Tennis Australia high performance strength and conditioning mentor, will pull on a Northern Bombers jumper again this Saturday for the club’s round 5 fixture against North Hobart down South.

It will be his first appearance since last year’s grand final.

The Melbourne-based 29-year-old, who quit his playing-assistant coach position with VFL side Casey Demons to take up a dream role with Tennis Australia, said he is excited to be back part of the football landscape.

“I was quite happy to be sitting in football retirement,” Couch said on Tuesday.

“I’ve already been over to America and will return for the hard-court season over there. I was meant to fly over to Europe this week but that has fallen through, which has allowed me to play.

“It’s hard to say how many games I will play but I’ve now got a better idea of what my work schedule looks like, so I’m thinking I’ll be available for six to eight matches. But it could be a few more as well.”

Couch said he will fly into Hobart on Friday and that coach Taylor Whitford is understanding of the fact he cannot train with North.

“I said to Taylor after it was suggested in December that ‘if it works for the club, then let’s make it happen’ because I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else,” the 2017 TSL player of the year runner-up said.

“I’ve certainly got itchy feet and I’m not going down there to be half-hearted about it – I take a lot of pride in my performance and I want to make sure I go down there and play well.”

North Launceston has made a 3-1 start to the season, with only a bout of illness holding it back, and will be a handful for a youthful North Hobart side.

Couch said he has been impressed with his teammates – keeping a close eye on their matches to date.

“I’ve kept watch on them and I think potentially they’re going to be a better team compared to last year,” he said.

“With the recruits they’ve picked up – Jordan Cousens, Sherrin Egger, Beau Sharman and Michael Tang – and the young boys that have stood up. It’s quite exciting to see blokes like Arion Richter-Salter develop and Brad Cox-Goodyer looks like he is better, which is scary.”

Couch said he is in consistent contact with his close mate Whitford, but has left him to run his own ship – only providing counsel when sought.