The Laois native holds the record for most AFL appearances for any Irish player.
Zach Tuohy missed out on a swan song goodbye to his historic AFL career after Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott axed him from the squad for his final game.
Making what he described as the most difficult decision he has ever had to make in the AFL, Scott chose to have the 34-year-old sit in the stands and watch on as the Cats lost to Brisbane Lions in the Australian Rules Semi Final at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Laois man – who won a Leinster Minor Football Championship with his county in 2007 – is one of the most successful GAA-AFL crossover footballers having made his debut in 2011 with Carlton and winning a Grand Final with Geelong in 2022.
Only two other Irish AFL stars have managed the same feat – team-mate Mark O’Connor and Tadhg Kennelly with Sydney in 2005.
Geelong coach Chris Scott has dropped a selection bombshell by axing veteran Zach Tuohy ahead of Saturday's preliminary final against Brisbane. @trent_kniese #9News pic.twitter.com/pHVAkOPCso
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) September 19, 2024
Speaking to 9News, Scott described how tough the call to leave Tuohy out really was.
“It was one of the harder calls that I think we’ve had to make in a long, long time,” he said.
“I’m not even sure it’s the right call. But it’s a call we made.”
The Cats ended up losing the game 95-85 and while it will be gutting for them and Tuohy, it’s good news for Tyrone’s Conor McKenna who will have a chance to secure a Premiership medal when the Lions take on Sydney in the Grand Final next Saturday.
McKenna came on a substitute in the game and played a key role with a brilliant assist to set up Logan Morris for a vital fourth-quarter goal.
Tuohy announced his retirement on social media last month
Speaking to fans in a video shared to the Geelong Cats Instagram page, the Portlaoise man said: “I informed my team-mates yesterday that this will be my last year as an AFL footie player.
“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.”
He continued: “I knew when I came to the Cats I was in a 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 – has been incredible for me and my family.
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“I consider myself a Geelong person forever off the back of your support.
“2024, that’ll do me. Thanks for everything.”
