Zach Tuohy, a player for the Geelong Cats, has publicly declared his AFL retirement. Following an impressive career spanning two clubs, the 34-year-old has decided to pull the plug at the end of Geelong’s 2024 season. In 2010, Tuohy left his homeland, Laois, to venture to Australia.
He was awarded an International Rookie contract in 2009 and Carlton picked him up on the 73rd pick of the 2010 rookie draft. Following 120 game appearances with the Blues, Tuohy transferred to the Cats at the conclusion of 2016 and made his first appearance in 2017.
Among his 166 games for the Cats, Tuohy was part of the 2022 Premiership winning team, coinciding with his 250th AFL game. He is one of only two Irish-born players, the other being Jim Stynes, to have participated in 200 AFL games. With his 265th game against North Melbourne in 2023, Tuohy surpassed Stynes to become the Irish-born footballer with the most AFL match appearances. Along with Mark O’Connor, he was one of the only two subsequent Irish players to gain an AFL premiership, following Tadhg Kennelly in 2005.
Tuohy expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career and remarked on the incredible journey he has experienced as a Cat. “Geelong Cats not only gave me an opportunity but made it a memorable experience,” he said.
Andrew Mackie, Geelong Cats’ general manager of football, praised Tuohy’s skill, flexibility and durability throughout his eight seasons. Mackie observed that Tuohy would leave as the Irishman with the highest games record, an outstanding accomplishment for someone who chose to leave his family behind and traverse the globe to pursue his passion 15 years ago.
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