Geelong Cats premiership player Zach Tuohy has today announced his retirement from the Australian Football League (AFL). The 34-year-old, who will hang up the boots at the conclusion of Geelong’s 2024 campaign, has enjoyed a remarkable career across two clubs after being recruited out of Portlaoise in County Laois Ireland in 2010.

Tuohy attracted the attention of AFL recruiters in 2009 before being offered an International Rookie contract and selected by Carlton with the 73rd pick in the 2010 rookie draft. After playing 120 games with the Blues, Tuohy became a Cat via a trade at the end of 2016 and made his Club debut in Round 1 2017 against Fremantle.

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

A modern-day trailblazer for aspiring Irish athletes looking to switch codes to Australian rules football, Tuohy is only the second Irish-born player to play 200 AFL games along with Jim Stynes. He also in Round 17, 2023, played his 265th game against North Melbourne, overtaking Jim Stynes for the most AFL games played by an Irish-born footballer.

Alongside fellow Irishman Mark O’Connor, they become just the second and third Irish players to win an AFL premiership, following Tadhg Kennelly in 2005.

Zach Tuohy has announced he'll be finishing his career at the end of the 2024 season. With his trademark torpedo, iconic moustache and fan favourite Reggie wave post-win to the Reg Hickey Stand at GMHBA Stadium, Tuohy is much loved amongst the Geelong faithful.

Tuohy said he was appreciative for the support he has 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,” Tuohy said.

Geelong Cats General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie celebrated Tuohy’s accomplishments and career. “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,” Mackie said. 

A Trailblazer for Irish Athletes in the AFL

Zach Tuohy's journey to the AFL is a testament to his dedication and talent. His decision to leave his home country to pursue a career in Australian rules football was a bold one, but it has paid off handsomely. He has become a role model for aspiring Irish athletes who dream of playing in the AFL, showing that it is possible to achieve success on the other side of the world.

Tuohy's impact on the AFL goes beyond his individual achievements. He has helped to increase the visibility of Irish players in the league, and his success has paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps. He has also been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of more Irish players in the AFL, and his efforts have helped to make the league more diverse and inclusive.

A Farewell to a True Champion

Zach Tuohy's retirement marks the end of an era for the Geelong Cats. He has been a key player for the club for many years, and his absence will be felt. He will be remembered for his skill, his durability, and his unwavering commitment to the game. However, his legacy will extend far beyond the football field. He will be remembered as a trailblazer for Irish athletes, a champion of diversity and inclusion, and a true gentleman of the game.

As Tuohy says goodbye to the AFL, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of players, both Irish and Australian. He has shown that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for the game. He will be missed by fans, teammates, and the entire AFL community.