Former Warrnambool and Geelong Falcons midfielder/forward William Couch is joining the Saints for 2015.

Couch, who is listed with VFL club Northern Blues, is seeking a clearance from his Essendon District Football League club Maribyrnong Park to make Koroit his feeder club.

That means when he doesn’t have commitments with the Northern Blues, he could play Hampden league matches with the Saints.

Koroit coach Adam Dowie said Couch joined the Saints in a practice match against Warrnambool and District league club Dennington on Wednesday night.

“He was really impressive,” Dowie said.“He can really run and mark. He is very quick and can motor along. He’s a great kick.” 

Dowie said Couch, who had played midfield and forward roles in the past, could play as a tall marking forward for the Saints.

Dowie said Couch’s move to the Saints had happened quickly.

“It just happened out of the blue a bit,” he said.

“We were speaking to him a bit last year but it was more that Will has been socialising and training with a few of the boys and one thing led to another.”

Dowie said Couch was keen to play in the practice match on Wednesday night and become part of the club.

The Saints, who have trained strongly since returning from their emotional premiership triumph against arch-rival Warrnambool last September, are considered fitter than 12 months ago.

They also have significantly more experienced players. Couch’s signing comes after former Maskell Medal winner Simon O’Keefe returned to the club as a playing assistant coach following three seasons with district league club Panmure. 

Star forward/midfielder Ben Dobson has come home after a year in the Geelong football league with St Mary’s, running players James North (Bendigo) and Alex White (Panmure) are also returning. Former North Warrnambool Eagles key forward Michael Darmody is seeking a fresh start to his career while former Port Fairy and Deakin University key position player Trent Anderson is also moving to Victoria Park.

grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au