Old hand set to lead the way
ZACH Tuohy readily acknowledges it’s somewhat bizarre. The Irishman — who grew up as a Gaelic football star — only played his first match of Australian rules in 2010.
But because of a spate of injuries and retirements, the 28-year-old Tuohy is not only the most experienced member of the Geelong defensive unit named to take on Sydney today — he’s played more matches at the top level than the other five combined.
“Especially having just ticked over my 150th game last week, you let your mind wander a bit and drift back to when I first got contacted by Carlton and the AFL,” Tuohy said.
“One game seems a million miles away, never mind 100 or 150.
“It is a bit odd, but any success I may have had can firmly be laid at the feet of the coaches who have helped me along the way.”
With Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson out injured, Tuohy has welcomed the opportunity to play a leadership role in a back six including first-year sensation Jack Henry and Jordan Cunico, who had only played one senior game before 2018.
“I’m really proud of the young group we have,” Tuohy said.
“Jack Henry has been here for five minutes and the steps he’s taken already are incredible.
“Tom Stewart has gone to a new level and Jed Bews has been around for a few years.
“I’m enjoying my new role but it’s not just me leading down there. It’s some of those younger guys too.”