Blues coach Brayden Harkness says Nick Couch, who crossed to the Warrnambool and District league club from Terang Mortlake in March, is marshalling the forward 50.

Couch's footy smarts have been integral in Nirranda's rise and status as the league's only undefeated team after four rounds.

"He didn't want an official role, but he is well and truly (like a forward coach) for us," Harkness said.

"He's been huge for us. His footy smarts, set-ups and experience has been a great asset. He stands up and leads by example when the ball is in his vicinity."

Couch's structural nous helped youngster Max Primmer (four goals) and Jordan Payne (two) make an impact as Nirranda stunned reigning premier Kolora-Noorat by 12 points on Saturday.

The trio's combined nine majors covered the absence of key forwards Jesse Dalton and Jack Primmer, who were sidelined through injury.

Harkness said the pair would press for selection in the coming weeks.

"Jesse is pretty close," he said.

"He was touch and go for Saturday but we thought we'd rather him come in with some training under his belt. Jake Richardson is also a good match up for him and plays well so we thought we'd use Jesse as a runner to get some miles in the legs.

"We expect Jack to be back next, he's just getting a bit of fitness back at the moment."

Harkness said Primmer and Payne had bright futures.

"We have been missing our two central goalkickers and Maxy took a couple of very important marks on Saturday, which was vital as it let us take a bit of time off the clock," he said.

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