Tuohy to set new record

Image: Zach Tuohy equalling Jim Styne’s record for an Irish player was the highlight of last Friday’s drawn match. (Geelong Cats photo)

Geelong’s Zach Tuohy is set to break the record for most VFL/AFL games played by an Irish-born footballer when the Cats host North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium this Sunday.

Tuohy equalled the record of 264 games held by AFL great and Melbourne Hall of Famer and 1991 Brownlow Medalist Jim Stynes against Sydney in last Friday night’s drawn match.

Tuohy has proved incredibly durable, playing a minimum of 18 games each season since his second year in the AFL.

Originally from County Laois, Tuohy had an impressive Gaelic Football career as a junior, capturing the eye of Carlton’s scouts and earning his way into the AFL via the Rookie Draft.

Tuohy played 120 games over six years with the Blues, before moving to Geelong ahead of the 2017 season.

Since then, the running defender has played 144 games with Geelong, and has a career tally of 92 goals so far, showing his ability to take the game forward as well.

He was part of the Cats’ 2020 and 2022 Grand Final sides, breaking through for a maiden AFL premiership last season.

The 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final also marked Tuohy’s 250th game of AFL football.

Geelong Cats Chief Executive Officer Steve Hocking congratulated Tuohy on his latest 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.

“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.

“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.”

Speaking after last Friday’s drawn game against the Swans, Tuohy said it was a real honour to reach this milestone.

“The goal for me coming out was to play one game.

“ It’s strange to think I’ve been fortunate enough to get here, and a big part of that was I got to end up with the Cats.

“When I reflect on getting to this milestone, I can’t help but think that if I’d ended up anywhere else it wouldn’t have happened.

“I just feel really grateful to be a Geelong player and a Geelong person now.”

Regarding beating Styne’s record, Tuohy remained modest, saying ; “ I’m not sure how to feel, because Jim’s everyone’s hero.”