Tuohy to break long-standing record this afternoon

GEELONG Cats defender Zach Tuohy will break the record for most VFL/AFL games played by an Irish-born footballer later today, when the Cats host North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.

Tuohy equalled Melbourne Hall of Famer Jim Stynes’ record of 264 games against Sydney last Friday night.

Geelong Cats chief executive officer Steve Hocking congratulated Tuohy on reaching the milestone.

“On behalf of our members, partners, staff and men’s and women’s playing groups we congratulate Zach and his family on this VFL/AFL milestone,” Hocking said.

“His bravery in moving to the other side of the world to pick up a new sport as a 20-year-old, and to have built such an incredible career, is testament to his strength of character and determination.”

Tuohy, originally from County Laois, began his sporting career as an impressive Gaelic football prospect.

Tuohy caught the eye of Carlton’s scouts and made the flight over to Australia to join the Blues’ roster through the Rookie Draft.

He then played 120 games over six years with the Blues, before making the move to Kardinia Park for the 2017 campaign.

The running defender has played 144 games with Geelong.

He is a two-time Grand Final participant (2020 and 2022) and premiership player (2022) and was part of the Cats’ 2020 and 2022 Grand Final sides, breaking through for a maiden AFL premiership last season.

“Zach’s skill and tenaciousness on the football field have made him such an important player for our AFL program over many years, and he has been a catalyst for our club as it continues to attract Irish talent to both our men’s and women’s programs,” Hocking said.

“Jim Stynes was a giant of the AFL, as we see with his enduring legacy in the broader football community to this day. The honour of equalling and now surpassing Jim’s incredible games tally will not be lost on Zach.”

Top 5 VFL/AFL Irish players by games played:
=1. Jim Stynes – 264 games
=1. Zach Tuohy – 264 games
3. Tadgh Kennelly – 197 games
4. Pearce Hanley – 161 games
5. Sean Wight – 150 games