Tuohy calls time on outstanding playing career

GEELONG Cats premiership player Zach Tuohy will hang up the boots at the conclusion of the club’s 2024 campaign.

The 34-year-old calls time on his career having played 286 games to date, including 166 in the hoops.

Tuohy was recruited from Portlaoise in County Laois, Ireland in 2010 and picked up an International Rookie contract from Carlton in the rookie draft the same year.

After playing 120 games for the Blues, Touhy became a Cat at the end of the 2016 season and made his debut for the club in Round 1 2017.

Across eight seasons with the Cats, Tuohy has played 166 games so far, including being a member of the 2022 premiership team, a match in which he celebrated his 250th game.

Tuohy is only the second Irish-born player to play 200 AFL games, alongside Jim Stynes.

He is the now the record-holder for most AFL games played by an Irish-born footballer.

The 34-year-old said he was appreciative of the support he had received across his career.

“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.

“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 Cats general manager of football Andrew Mackie celebrated Tuohy’s career.

“Zach has been a skilful, durable and flexible player across his eight seasons in the hoops,” Mackie said.

“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.”