ZACH TUOHY HAS announced his intention to retire at the end of Geelong’s 2024 campaign.
The Laois man, who won a Leinster minor title with his county in 2007, has enjoyed a remarkable career across two AFL clubs after switching from GAA in 2010.
Tuohy attracted the attention of AFL recruiters in 2009 before being offered an international rookie contract and then selected by Carlton with the 73rd pick in the 2010 rookie draft.
After playing 120 games with the Blues, Tuohy became a Geelong Cat via a trade at the end of 2016 and made his club debut in 2017 against Fremantle.
What a 𝓡𝓮𝓰𝓰𝓲𝓮 Ride 🌊 #WeAreGeelong pic.twitter.com/7xH6DxovyO
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) August 21, 2024
The 34-year-old has played 166 games for Geelong, including being a member of the 2022 Premiership team, a match in which he also celebrated his 250th AFL game.
Tuohy is only the second Irish-born player to play 200 AFL games along with Jim Stynes. Last year, he played his 265th game against North Melbourne, overtaking Stynes for the most AFL games played by an Irish-born player.
Alongside Mark O’Connor, from Dingle, they become just the second and third Irish players to win an AFL premiership, following Tadhg Kennelly in 2005.
“While there is a lot of footy left to play this year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all the members and fans for their support,” Tuohy said. “I knew when I came to the Cats I was in for a treat, and I didn’t think I fully appreciated just how incredible the journey would be.”
Geelong manager of football, Andrew Mackie said: “Zach has been a skilful, durable and flexible player across his eight seasons in the hoops. He will depart as the Irish games record holder, which is a remarkable achievement for someone who made the decision 15 years ago to leave home to travel across the world to play our game.
“He is a loved and respected teammate and has contributed greatly to the environment of our club.
“We thank Zach, his wife Rebecca and children Flynn and Rafferty for their contribution to our Club.”
Bravo Zach – fantastic career and a brilliant ambassador for Laois. An absolute credit to his skill, hard work and durability
Great credit to Zach to play so many games, stay injury free and play a major part in helping Geelong win the AFL.
Goes to show it not all about being 6’5″ plus.
Great reader of the game.
Full length tats, on both arms and both legs goes a long way too. Gotta look the part folks.
Always loved the footy, a much superior game in my opinion than our version. Their tackle is better defined and punishes fannying around, the mark rewards fielding, even restarting from the centre instead of a goal kick is more positive.
@brian o’leary: Our game has gone to pot, pure drivel now.
@Mistral: you’re being kind.
Brilliant montage video. The catch and goal to snatch a late win gave me goosebumps watching. Looks a really good player very assured. Massive credit to him forging a career in AFL a proper tough sport.
Lots irish playing in australia now i enjoy the game more than are own gaa footie
He was a great sportsman and a great character. I don’t barrack for Geelong but I always enjoyed seeing Zach playing well.