Geelong Championship star Zach Tuohy will retire at the end of the AFL season as the competition’s Irish record holder in games played.

Tuohy, 34, will hang up his boots at the end of the finals season after more than 280 games with the Cats and Carlton.

Tuohy told his teammates of his decision on Tuesday and announced it in a video message to Geelong members on Wednesday

“Even though there is still a lot of football to be played this year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support,” Tuohy said.

“When I joined the Cats, I knew I was in for something special. I don’t think I realized what an incredible journey it would be.”

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us this year, but I just wanted to thank you for everything.

“Geelong, the club and the city, have been incredible for me and my family.

“Thanks to your support, I will forever consider myself a Geelongian.

“There is still a lot of work ahead of me – I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend – but 2024 is enough for me.”

Tuohy caught the attention of AFL recruiters in 2009 and was poached by Carlton from Portlaoise, County Laois in 2010.

He developed into an accomplished defender and moved to Geelong in late 2016 before playing alongside fellow Irish player Mark O’Connor in the Cats’ championship in 2022.

The pair were the second and third Irishmen to win the championship after Sydney’s Tadhg Kennelly (2005).

Tuohy is only the second Irish player to make more than 200 AFL/VFL appearances, surpassing the late Jim Stynes’ record of 264 appearances last year.

He will play his 287th game when the Cats host West Coast at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

“Zach has been a skilled, durable and flexible player in his eight seasons of basketball,” said Geelong football manager Andrew Mackie.

“He will leave as the Irish games record holder, which is a remarkable achievement for someone who made the decision 15 years ago to leave home and travel the world to play our game.

“He is a popular and respected teammate and has contributed a lot to the atmosphere in our club.”