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21st August 2024
12:08pm BST
Geelong Cats star Zach Tuohy has announced his retirement from AFL at the end of the current season.
The Laois native moved down under in 2009, after winning a minor title with his home county in 2007, and initially played for Carlton for four seasons before signing for Geelong in 2016.
The 34-year-old became the most-capped Irish player in AFL history last year when he surpassed Jim Stynes record of 264 appearances, and is in line to make his 287th appearance this weekend as Geelong face West Coast.
Tuohy informed Geelong fans of his retirement in a video posted to social media this morning.
"I informed my team-mates yesterday that this will be my last as an AFL footie player," he said.
"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.
"I consider myself a Geelong person forever off the back of your support.
"2024, that'll do me. Thanks for everything."
Across eight seasons with the Cats to date, Tuohy has played 166 games, including being a member of the 2022 Premiership team, a match in which he also celebrated his 250th game.
Tuohy is one of three Irish players to win an AFL premiership, along with teammate Mark O'Connor and Tadhg Kennelly, who won his with the Sydney Swans in 2005.
Geelong Cats General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie celebrated Tuohy’s accomplishments and career, and said: "Zach has been a skilful, durable and flexible player across his eight seasons in the 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 to travel across the world to play our game," he added.
"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."
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