How do you turn a Laois man into a Cat?
Trade him for a 24-year-old utility and a first-round draft pick.
Zach Tuohy is on the move from strugglers Carlton to high-flying, AFL semi-finalists Geelong in a move that sees Billie Smedts and a future first round draft pick head for Carlton.
It is a sign of how valued defender Tuohy is in Aussie Rules and could see him compete with the likes of defending champions Western Bulldogs for next year’s title.
Tuohy played 120 times for Carlton since joining in 2010, signing a new three-year deal in 2013. The majority of Carlton fans seem sorry to lose the former Laois minor.
All the best @zach2e for the future, gave your all for the jumper
— R.J. MacReady (@ChrisSuban) October 19, 2016
Very sad to see @zach2e leave. A small bump up next year's draft will be handy for Carlton, but I think the Cats have edged this trade.
— MP (@MPFooty) October 19, 2016
Bye bye @zach2e I'll always love you 😪😪#AFLTrades
😜🍻☘️🍷😘🍻👍🏻onya bike buddy 🚲 pic.twitter.com/vU2jpevJEp
— BB (@blu_boys) October 19, 2016
Damn, Zach gave us some good memories. First goal against Brissie one of my favourite moments at the footy @zach2e https://t.co/7AzvtpX1yy
— Ali (@zeezou90) October 19, 2016
@zach2e Thank you so so much for the time you put in at @CarltonFC. Best of luck at @GeelongCats #BoundByBlue
— JaZZa (@JaZZa_89) October 19, 2016
Some were struggling to process their emotions, however.
zach tuohy, fuck off
— jace (@jdwant) October 19, 2016
Not all Geelong fans seem to be ‘stoked’ either.
We give up a 1st rd pick for Zach Tuohy. Please….. Wells has lost the plot. He's not Andrew McLeod for christ sake. #AFLTrades
— chris (@totts29) October 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/carlathunt/status/788617800239702016
Carlton won only seven of their 22 regular season games last season, finishing fifth from bottom, while Geelong finished second in the ladder before being well-beaten by eventual runners-up Sydney Swans in the semi-finals.
Tuohy was part of the Portlaoise panel that missed out on a 10th successive Laois county title to Stradbally on Sunday, but his holidays have taken a turn for the better.
He will join former Kerry minor Mark O’Connor in Victoria’s second city after he was signed by Geelong on Tuesday.
Mayo’s Pearse Hanley is also on the move, yesterday leaving Brisbane for Gold Coast Suns.
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour, Wooly chats to new Meath boss Andy McEntee about the flawed Dublin Championship and catches up with new Clare joint manager Donal Moloney. Listen below or subscribe on iTunes.
