Zach Tuohy has reached an unbelievable milestone in the Australian Football League, equalling Jim Stynes' record for the most appearances by an Irishman.
His 264th game came earlier today as his Geelong side drew 54-54 with the Sydney Swans at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
After the match he spoke with the media and was clearly emotional at his achievement, and thankful for the life and career that Australia has provided him:
It's an honour, and like I said pre-game, I feel like I owe the AFL and Australia an awful lot. I came as a 19-year-old kid and (now) I'm married with kids. Got to have a whole career in the best game in the world.
I just love Geelong. I consider myself so lucky and fortunate to have ended up at the Cats. It sort of reignited my love and passion for the game, and obviously they've delivered me a bit of success which I'm really grateful for.
Zach Tuohy Equals Jim Stynes' AFL Record
🗣️ "I feel like I owe the AFL and Australia an awful lot. I came as a 19-year-old kid and (now) I'm married with kids. Got to have a whole career in the best game in the world."
- Zach Tuohy on the night he equals Jim Stynes for most games played by an Irishman pic.twitter.com/em9UtCY3xl— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 30, 2023
16 May 2007; Zach Tuohy, Laois, celebrates a point. ESB Leinster Minor Football Championship Quarter-Final, Dublin v Laois, O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Picture credit: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
READ HERE: Zach Tuohy Opens Up On Tough Times Prior To AFL Grand Final Triumph
Tuohy initially came over to Australia as a 19-year-old in 2009 for a trial with Carlton, having played underage football for Laois, whom he won a Leinster Minor Championship with.
He impressed at the trial and was subsequently signed by the Melbourne club, and made his AFL debut in 2011.
During his time at Carlton he also represented Ireland at International Rules, before signing with the Geelong Cats in 2017.
With Geelong he has enjoyed his most successful years in Australia, becoming an All-Star in 2020, and winning a premiership title after defeating the Sydney Swans in the 2022 Grand Final.
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