The Nirranda teenager was handed a top grade shirt by newly-appointed coach Steve Castles at the start of the season and hasn’t looked back.

Averaging almost 20, Couch has been a straight swap for older brother Brody, who is pursuing a Victorian Premier Cricket career with Geelong.

The 16-year-old said the addition of Castles and deputy Craig Sargeant eased the pressure on the Knights’ other top order youngsters. 

“It does ease the pressure having those guys come across, and the fact they’re solid contributors to the team,” Couch said.

“I think we’ve now got a good mixture of older and younger guys in the side. It’s always nice to play with people your own age who have come through as well.”

The Emmanuel College student revealed he had expanded his scoring range since cementing his place in division one.

“In division three, you know you’re always going to get that bad ball that you can score off,” Couch said.

“I guess up here, you have to score off the better balls and learn how to do that.

“You consistently getting good bowlers – your Mark Murphys and your Dan Oakleys – who will test you.

“I’m just trying to do my best and fortunately I’m in division one. It’s all going well.”

Ninth-placed Nirranda is set to face Port Fairy at Port Campbell Recreation Reserve on Saturday.