Zach Tuohy not phased by finals record ahead of preliminary final against Brisbane

Geelong is into its 10th preliminary final since 2007 but have fallen at the penultimate hurdle at its past four attempts. Here’s what Zach Tuohy has to say about the Cats’ finals record.

Zach Tuohy celebrates a goal with Luke Dahlhaus. Picture: Quinn Rooney

Geelong’s finals record is a non-factor inside the camp ahead of another chance to play off in a grand final.

The Cats’ will play in their 10th preliminary final since 2007 on Saturday night after their demolition job on Collingwood.

But they have fallen at the penultimate hurdle at their past four attempts, including defeats in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

Utility Zach Tuohy history was irrelevant for the side.

Zach Tuohy celebrates a goal. Picture: Quinn Rooney

“To be honest, I sometimes think some people must have an inflated opinion of their own opinion because it doesn’t get inside these walls,” Tuohy told the Sunday Footy Show.

“I don’t think very much about last year’s finals series, much less what happened five or six years ago.

“I’d rather be in the position to lose finals and prelims than where I was at for a very long period of my career and not able to play any.”

Geelong kept Collingwood to its lowest first-half score in a final since the 1960 decider when it also only kicked 1.0 (6) by the main break.

The Cats had +77 disposals, +14 inside-50 entries, +11 clearances, +45 marks and +14 scoring shots in the opening half as it superbly executed its possession-style brand.

Tuohy said it was a pleasing response following the 16-point defeat against Port Adelaide.

“We didn’t take our chances last week and obviously if you kick straight, that goes a long way to winning most games of footy,” he said.

“When we were on top, particularly in the second quarter in the first half last week, we didn’t really put it on the scoreboard and then Port Adelaide took their chances in the third quarter.

“It wasn’t a terrible performance, although we obviously needed to improve and last night was a step in the right direction.”

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Originally published as Zach Tuohy not phased by finals record ahead of preliminary final against Brisbane