Laois' Zach Tuohy to retire from AFL at end of season

CALLING TIME: Zach Tuohy of the Geelong Cats holds aloft the premiership cup after winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Zach Tuohy has confirmed he will retire from Aussie rules at the end of the 2024 AFL season. 

The Laois man's career began with Carlton Blues in 2010 before he moved to the Geelong Cats in 2016. He and Kerryman Mark O'Connor became just the second and third Irish players ever, after Tadhg Kennelly, to win the AFL premiership when Geelong claimed the 2022 title.

34-year-old Tuohy holds the record for the most ever AFL appearances by an Irish player. He overtook the legendary Jim Stynes last year. To date, he has played in 286 games. 

Tuohy informed his Geelong teammates on Tuesday and made a public announcement in a video on Wednesday. 

"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," Tuohy said.

"I knew when I came to the Cats I was in for a treat. I don't think I fully appreciated just 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, has been incredible for me and my family.

"I consider myself a Geelong person forever off the back of your support.

"A lot of work left to do - I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend - but 2024, that'll do me."

The Cats sit fourth in the AFL ladder with 22 rounds played. 

“Zach has been a skilful, durable and flexible player across his eight seasons in the hoops," said Geelong general manager Andrew Mackie.
"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."