Ireland's Zach Tuohy has called time on his illustrious Australian Football League (AFL) career. The Portlaoise native is regarded as one of the greatest AFL players ever, having moved to Australia in 2016.
Tuohy comes from a Gaelic football background and has represented his local club, Portlaoise, and the Laois County team at the minor and under-21 levels.
In 2009, Tuohy was recruited by the Carlton Football Club through the AFL's international rookie scheme. He made his AFL debut with Carlton in 2011 and played there for five more years.
In 2016, Tuohy was traded to the Geelong Cats, where he became an integral part of the team.
Tuohy became one of the longest-serving Irish players in AFL history, and in July 2022, he became the second Irish player to reach 250 AFL games, following the legendary Jim Stynes.
Two years ago, Tuohy was part of the Geelong Cats team that won the AFL Premiership in 2022, making him and Mark O'Connor only the second and third Irish players to win an AFL Premiership, following Tadhg Kennelly in 2005.
A Geelong person for life 🫶 #WeAreGeelong pic.twitter.com/JyB6ROo3QB
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) August 21, 2024
Announcing his retirement this week, the 34-year-old said, “"I informed my team-mates yesterday that this will be my last as an AFL footie player," he said in a video posted online by his club, Geelong.
"While there's a lot of footy left to play this year, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support.
"I knew when I came to the Cats I was in for a treat. I don't think I fully appreciated how much of an incredible journey it was going to be. There's a lot of work left to do this year but I just wanted to thank you for everything. Geelong—the club and the city—have been incredible for me and my family.
"I consider myself a Geelong person forever off the back of your support. 2024, that'll do me. Thanks for everything."
Geelong Cats General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie, in the statement, paid tribute to Tuohy’s accomplishments and career.
“Zach has been a skilled, durable, and flexible player across his eight seasons in 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 and 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 his children Flynn and Rafferty for their contribution to our club,” Mackie said.
