Geelong Cats: Zach Tuohy set to pass Jim Stynes for games played by Irish-born footballers

Geelong defender Zach Tuohy says he feels guilty ahead of the milestone game that will see him pass one of the all-time legends of the game.

03-07-2023 Geelong Cats training at GMHBA Stadium Picture: Brad Fleet

Geelong defender Zach Tuohy says he feels “a little guilty” ahead of the milestone game that will see him pass one of the all-time legends of the game.

Tuohy is set to notch up game 265 against North Melbourne, and in doing so will pass Melbourne Hall of Fame member and Brownlow Medalist Jim Stynes in all-time games played by an Irish-born player.

Ahead of the milestone, Tuohy said he had little time to reflect on the significance of the occasion but he appreciated the fanfare in the lead-up to Sunday’s game.

“I’m obviously proud that I’ve been able to play as long as I have, he’s everyone’s hero, you almost feel guilty playing more games than him,” he said about Stynes.

03-07-2023 Geelong Cats training at GMHBA Stadium Zach Touhy. Picture: Brad Fleet

“Probably mostly because I don’t really feel like I belong in Jim’s category as a player, and obviously not in terms of legacy so it’s a strange one that I’m now on par with him in games.

“You talk Jim’s legacy, I don’t know how long clubs would’ve pursued Irish players if we didn’t have Jim initially.

“It’s hard to know whether or not I would’ve ever been given the opportunity to make it this far.”

Initially scouted by Carlton, Tuohy got his chance in the navy blue and made a name for himself as a lockdown defender with some attacking traits.

Tuohy played 120 games for the Blues before requesting a trade to the Cattery ahead of the 2017 season, playing as a rebounding defender under premiership coach Chris Scott.

The dashing Cat said he never thought he would get close to Stynes’ record.

03-07-2023 Geelong Cats training at GMHBA Stadium Zach Touhy. Picture: Brad Fleet

“(In) 2020 I had some body issues and I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to get, fortunately I got over them and the last couple of years have been great,” he said.

“I genuinely haven’t been thinking of this as a milestone, I’ve made it pretty public that the only thing driving me ever since I got to Geelong was trying to win a premiership, anything else is a bonus.

“My ultimate goal was achieved last year and now it’s about trying to add to that tally.

“My goal initially was to play one game and then maybe 100 seems like a good effort from an Irish player, I must admit I do find myself thinking about it quite a bit right at the minute, I genuinely never thought I’d get here.

“Not that I thought I couldn’t, it just was never on the horizon for me, so to be a week out from it is odd.”

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Zach Tuohy set to pass Jim Stynes for games played by Irish-born footballers