Zach ready to rock
with Zach as he pursued his AFL dream. But again it shows the person he is, back on a plane on his own and through sheer determination and persistence combined with talent, he made the breakthrough and now stands as one of the best defenders in the game.
That breakthrough didn’t come easy for Zach, though. He was consistently performing at VFL level but couldn’t quite get into the senior side. In steps Alan Richardson, who I know Zach speaks very highly of. After some persistent backing from ‘Richo’, Zach finally got his chance against Port Adelaide in Round 11, 2011, and took it with both hands.
I had been keeping an eye on Zach’s progress from back in Ireland and was very excited to see that he had now become a regular player in the senior side.
Zach’s success played a huge factor in me making the decision to give AFL another shot and I know I am speaking on behalf of all the Irish recruits, but I can safely say that Zach would have been an inspiration for all the Irish lads who have decided or now decide to come to Australia to pursue the AFL dream.
His professionalism, along with his witty personality, is the perfect blend to give an athlete that sustained success at AFL level.
Yes, it is high pressure, but Zach always manages to find the lighter side to what can be a pretty intense environment at times. Although his decision to wear a long-sleeved jumper last week put our friendship into question because no matter how cold it was in Geelong it was still 20C warmer than Laois!
From a mop of hair and star tattoos, to a big bushy beard and more tattoos, Zach is definitely his own man. But now he shares that with his beautiful family Bec and Flynn, who I know he values above all.
All I can say is congratulations on what has been a great journey so far for you, and I’m privileged to be able to have been a little part of it. Go well in game 150, mate, you’re doing your hometown and your country proud. Best of luck! ( ádh mór!)