AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has congratulated Geelong Cats defender Zach Touhy, who will today break Australian Football Hall of Famer Jim Stynes’ record for the most VFL/AFL games played by an Irish-born player.
Originally from Portlaoise in County Laois, Tuohy has played 264 AFL games (120 for Carlton, 144 for Geelong) since debuting in Round 11, 2011.
Tuohy was first recruited to Carlton with pick 73 in the 2010 AFL Rookie Draft and was traded to the Cats at the end of 2016. He has played 144 games for the Cats and was a key member of the Cats’ 2022 Premiership team.
“To play one senior AFL game is an achievement in itself, so to play 264 and today break the all-time record for an Irish-born player is an unbelievable milestone,” Mr McLachlan said.
“Zach has come a long way, literally, from his home town in Portlaoise, County Laois in Ireland, to his debut at Carlton in 2011. A Premiership at Geelong, a couple of top-three best and fairest finishes, and one of the best moustaches in the game.
“On behalf of the AFL, congratulations to Zach, Bec, their boys Flynn and Rafferty, a proud moment for their family and an even bigger moment in the history of our game.”
Top 5 VFL/AFL Irish players by games played:
=1. Jim Stynes 264 games, Melbourne 1987-98
=1. Zach Tuohy 264* games, Carlton and Geelong Cats, 2011 - current
3. Stuart Magee 216 games, South Melbourne and Footscray, 1962-75
4. Tadgh Kennelly 197 games, Sydney Swans 2001-11
5. Pearce Hanley 169 games, Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns, 2008-20
