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 9 July.

Tuohy equalled the record of 264 games held by AFL great and Melbourne Hall of Famer Jim Stynes against Sydney on Friday night.

Stynes, who played for Melbourne from 1987-1998, proved incredibly durable over his time with the Demons, and it is a trait shared by Tuohy, who has played 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 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.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Mark O’Connor of the Cats and Zach Tuohy of the Cats celebrate during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Geelong Cats Chief Executive Officer Steve Hocking congratulated Tuohy on the 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.”

Zach Tuohy Showreel

  • 05:27
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Time Cat-sule Round 18, 2018 | Hawkins & Tuohy Combine For Crazy Comeback

    Ahead of Geelong's game against the Dees on Saturday, take a look back at one of the great wins as the Cats clawed their way to victory in a thrilling final quarter comeback against Melbourne.

    AFL
  • 15:11

    Rhys Stanley and Zach Tuohy Reflect on 200 Games | Interview

    Good mates Rhys and Zach sat down to look back on Rhys' career before his 200th game on Sunday.

    AFL
  • 02:22
    Feature
    Feature

    Punting with NFL Punter Cam Johnston

    Watch as NFL Punter Cam Johnston teaches Zach Tuohy, Mitch Duncan and Gryan Miers the art of punting a gridiron ball.

    AFL
  • 02:52

    Milestone Tuohy Mic'd Up

    Thanks to FoxFooty, Zach Tuohy was mic'd up during his milestone game against North Melbourne.

    AFL
  • 10:48

    Scott & Tuohy Post Match | Round 17

    Chris Scott and Zach Tuohy speak to media following Geelong's Round 17 clash with North Melbourne. Presented by Morris.

    AFL
  • 03:01

    Coming Together For Reg

    The most important people throughout Zach Tuohy's life have come together to leave some messages for his milestone game.

    AFL
  • 08:51

    Zach Tuohy Press Conference | Round 17

    Zach Tuohy spoke to the media ahead of his special milestone breaking week against North. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL
  • 02:35
    Interview
    Interview

    Zach Tuohy Interview | Round 16

    Zach Tuohy spoke to Geelong after the result in Round 16, ahead of his big milestone next week. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Tuohy Finishes On His Left

    Zach Tuohy forces the turnover and stays alive to set up his own superb snap

    AFL
  • 34:23
    Podcast
    Podcast

    Tuohy and Stewie Ep 2 - Anthony Hudson

    Tuohy and Stewie (it's here to stay) are back for another episode! This weeks guest is the one and only, Anthony Hudson! The boys also chat over the Cats' recent form heading into Round 10.

    AFL
  • 03:29

    Just Imagine | Zach Tuohy

    Imagine flying to the other side of the world all for a sport you've never played. Watch Channel 7's Friday feature with Zach Tuohy.

    AFL
  • 00:56

    Terrific Tuohy Checkside Perfection | Round 5

    Zach Tuohy produces this brilliant checkside to make it seven goals in a row for his side

    AFL
  • 46:54

    Tuohy and Stewie Ep 1 - Aaron Finch

    Welcome to the first episode of Tuohy and Stewie, where Zach Tuohy and Tom Stewart look to take fans further within the four walls of the club, as well as speak to guests from various backgrounds to discuss a variety of topics.

    AFL
  • 00:45

    A Paddy's Day Vibe

    Irishman Zach Tuohy gets the Cats off to the perfect start with two goals in quick succession

    AFL
  • 01:10

    Roaming Tuohy | Warrnambool Open Training

    Zach Tuohy and the rest of the team enjoyed engaging with our Warrnambool based fans at Monday's open training session.

    AFL
  • 01:59

    Five Key Cats Commit

    Geelong's pre-season has been given an early boost with five Premiership players committing to new deals ahead of the 2023 AFL season.

    AFL
  • 02:09

    The Irish Touch | Tuohy and O'Connor Highlights

    Zach Tuohy and Mark O'Connor were integral cogs in our finals machine, offering flexibility and and dash to the team.

    AFL
  • 13:10

    Grand Reception | Live Post Grand Final

    Watch the victorious Cats meet the fans at Yarra Park after the Grand Final.

    AFL
  • 02:03

    Zach Tuohy | 250 Games

    Watch some of the best moments of Zach Tuohy's career, with the dashing Irishman playing his 250th game in the Grand Final.

    AFL

  • Tuohy Interview | Grand Final

    Zach Tuohy speaks to Cats Media at Geelong's open training session in the week leading up to the Grand Final. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL

Top 5 VFL/AFL Irish players by games played

=1. Jim Stynes 264 games
=1. Zach Tuohy 264* games
3. Tadgh Kennelly 197 games
4. Pearce Hanley 161 games
5. Sean Wight 150 games
*at the completion of Round 16 2023