I’ll be fine, says Couch

“And I have done the work and I’m quite excited to play. “Obviously it [flying in and out] is a new scenario and something I haven’t experienced, but it’s another challenge and I’m looking forward to it.

“I have known my schedule for the whole year, there was a seven-week block in April, May and June where I was able to play a few matches and then finals as well, so it has worked out really well in that regard.

“We have known before the season how it was going to unfold, there are no surprises there for anyone.

“I always love running out on a footy field knowing I have done everything I possibly can.

“It is quite different but I have kept the conditioning up.

“I have been kicking the footy quite a bit and what not, I guess we will wait and see in that regard but I’m confident the feel for the game is still there.”

Couch said it has been a smooth transition going from calling the shots to listening to them under his premiership captain, and he has stayed in regular contact throughout the year with Whitford.

“I love the job Taylor has done and it has been an easy transition, I go back and am just one of the guys.

“I made it pretty clear that when I come back I am just a player.

“I speak to Taylor quite a lot, I am up to date.

“I know the current game plan just as well as the one I implemented last year, there are no dramas there.”

Couch has kicked 11 goals from his five games — including four against North Hobart and five against cross-town rival Launceston in a best-afield performance in Round 8 — but failed to hit the scoreboard in his last outing against Clarence.