Zach Tuohy was given a huge reception by adoring Geelong Cats fans in his final home game for the club.
The 34-year-old sent the home crowd wild one last time, pouncing for an opportunistic goal in their comfortable win over West Coast, having announced his plans to retire earlier in the week.
Tuohy is hoping to end his AFL career on a high with a second premiership medal and the Cats are in the hunt for another crown, having secured their place in the top four heading into next month's finals. Fellow top four sides Sydney Swans, Port Adelaide and the Greater Western Sydney Giants will join them there.
Stiffer challenges will lie ahead for Tuohy's side who demolished the Eagles with 93 points to spare, plundering 26 goals in a statement showing as the season heads towards the business end.
The win moves the Cats up to third place after their final game of the home and away season.
Tuohy ignited the crowd with his sharp snap contributing to their 168-75 victory, before celebrating with a gesture of love for the Geelong fans.
🫶🇮🇪#WeAreGeelong | #AFLCatsEagles pic.twitter.com/1hfPxd4F1w
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) August 24, 2024
After the game, Tuohy and the also-retiring Tom Hawkins were given a guard of honour by their team-mates in Kardinia Park, as fans showed their appreciation for the two players.
"I informed my team-mates yesterday that this will be my last as an AFL footie player," Tuohy said in a video posted online by his club Geelong Cats during the week.
"While there's a lot of footy left to play this year, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support.
"I knew when I came to the Cats I was in a for a treat. I don't think I fully appreciated how much of an incredible journey it was going to be.
A few more weeks to go but the Geelong crowd farewell Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy 🥹#AFLCatsEagles pic.twitter.com/nykP67llR4
— AFL (@AFL) August 24, 2024
"There's a lot of work left to do this year but I just wanted to thank you for everything. Geelong - the club and the city - has been incredible for me and my family.
"I consider myself a Geelong person forever off the back of your support.
"2024, that'll do me. Thanks for everything."
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Zach Tuohy of the Cats (left) and Tom Hawkins of the Cats (right) and their children leave Kardinia Park for the last time during the 2024 AFL Round 24 match between the Geelong Cats and the West Coast Eagles at GMHBA Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Tuohy has previously stated his desire to return to his home-town of Portlaoise to play GAA in 2025, in what comes as exciting news for the club.
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