Retired AFL great in plot to make shock return to action
However, the premiership hero — who hails from Portlaoise in Ireland — is considering returning home and playing the code he grew up on, Gaelic football.
Before being recruited by the AFL, Tuohy was a gun junior Gaelic footballer for Portlaoise, and regularly played in under-age Laois county sides.
He admits he was a late-bloomer in the sport but some of his heroics as a teenager caught the eye of AFL selectors in the 2000s.
In 2009 he was invited to a four-week trial with Carlton and in 2010 he was selected by the Blues in the rookie draft.
Appearing on Channel 7's The Front Bar, Tuohy — who retired from the AFL at the end of last year — revealed a return to his country's domestic code was 'on the cards'. Zach Tuohy on the set of Channel 7's award-winning show The Front Bar. Credit: Seven
Front Bar funnyman Mick Molloy asked Tuohy if he would have been a legend in Gaelic football if he had stayed in Ireland.
The witty Tuohy responded with a grin: 'I still am in a lot of ways.'
Molloy: 'Did it ever occur to you when you retired that you could go back and play a season or two (in Ireland)?'
It was noted that former Irish AFL players Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney) and Marty Clarke (Collingwood) both played Gaelic footy after their AFL days were over.
'I'd love to, and it was the plan,' Tuohy admitted.
'There's a geographical issue; so much of my life here and how I commit to six months (over there) ...
'But for my home team, Portlaoise, I'm still harbouring ambition to go back and play.
'I have to work out some work stuff and see if we can make it happen. But that's on the cards, if I can.'
Head here to watch The Front Bar on-demand and free on 7plus
Tuohy is without a doubt one of the greatest Irish players to have made the switch to AFL.
While the late, great Jim Stynes won a Brownlow Medal, Tuohy has the record for the most AFL games played by a person who wasn't born in Australia.
After playing 120 games for Carlton, Tuohy then played another 168 games for Geelong, including the 2022 premiership.
He also represented Ireland four times in the International Rules clashes with Australia between 2011-2017.
International Rules is a blend of Australian and Gaelic football and was played annually between the two countries between 1998 and 2006.
After some heated battles and bad blood between Australia and Irish, it was then played randomly over the next 11 years and the last series was in 2017.
But Tuohy believes there should be a discussion to bring it back because the players 'love it'.
'I think there is an appetite from the players (to bring it back) definitely,' Tuohy said.
'And I think the rise of the W opens up a whole new potential to maybe do one in tandem with the men and the women.
'The players love it ... understand, as a spectacle both codes would argue that their own code is better than the combine code and that's been the criticism.
'But what an amazing opportunity to play for your country ... it's the only chance you get (for AFL players).'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Tupou needs to tame Lions to earn Wallabies recall
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wants Taniela Tupou to send a reminder about what he can bring to the Test arena when the powerhouse prop squares off against the Lions. Tupou was demoted from the Wallabies line-up to face Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday and will instead turn out for his NSW Waratahs against the British and Irish tourists at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Schmidt hasn't closed the book on Tupou winning selection for the Wallabies' opening Test against the Lions in Brisbane on July 19 but said he needs to see more from the 29-year-old, who was in patchy form this Super Rugby Pacific season. "With Taniela, I'd love to see him just be really, really strong at set-piece," Schmidt said from Newcastle. "I think the set-piece is somewhere that can be a real strength for him and I felt in the Super Rugby, toward the end, he had some pretty good performances, particularly in the scrum, and then just making sure he's contributing around the field as best he can." Schmidt said that the best form of Tupou's 58-Test career wasn't that long ago, and urged the France-bound prop to revisit his last international appearance, against Ireland in December. "The last game he played for us was against Ireland and he made a 50-metre dash up the field at one stage and he was very strong in the scrum. "And so we haven't forgotten that and I'm hoping, and I've spoken to "Nella", that he hasn't forgotten it either. "He knows he's capable and we just want to see him demonstrate that capability." The Waratahs mark the third tour match for the Lions, who have had commanding victories over the Western Force and Queensland Reds. Andy Farrell's men have been particularly dominant in the second half, outscoring the two Australian sides 64-0. Schmidt said the tourists hadn't been at their best in those victories, which demonstrated their massive depth. "They've been pretty impressive," Schmidt said. "I think in the two games in the first 20 minutes they haven't really started that well ... they've actually missed a few opportunities and the more cohesion they develop, the more they'll be dangerous in finishing some of those opportunities. "They've got incredible strength and depth so as we see them play the Waratahs they'll develop those combinations and that will be what we'll be tracking beyond this Fiji game." Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wants Taniela Tupou to send a reminder about what he can bring to the Test arena when the powerhouse prop squares off against the Lions. Tupou was demoted from the Wallabies line-up to face Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday and will instead turn out for his NSW Waratahs against the British and Irish tourists at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Schmidt hasn't closed the book on Tupou winning selection for the Wallabies' opening Test against the Lions in Brisbane on July 19 but said he needs to see more from the 29-year-old, who was in patchy form this Super Rugby Pacific season. "With Taniela, I'd love to see him just be really, really strong at set-piece," Schmidt said from Newcastle. "I think the set-piece is somewhere that can be a real strength for him and I felt in the Super Rugby, toward the end, he had some pretty good performances, particularly in the scrum, and then just making sure he's contributing around the field as best he can." Schmidt said that the best form of Tupou's 58-Test career wasn't that long ago, and urged the France-bound prop to revisit his last international appearance, against Ireland in December. "The last game he played for us was against Ireland and he made a 50-metre dash up the field at one stage and he was very strong in the scrum. "And so we haven't forgotten that and I'm hoping, and I've spoken to "Nella", that he hasn't forgotten it either. "He knows he's capable and we just want to see him demonstrate that capability." The Waratahs mark the third tour match for the Lions, who have had commanding victories over the Western Force and Queensland Reds. Andy Farrell's men have been particularly dominant in the second half, outscoring the two Australian sides 64-0. Schmidt said the tourists hadn't been at their best in those victories, which demonstrated their massive depth. "They've been pretty impressive," Schmidt said. "I think in the two games in the first 20 minutes they haven't really started that well ... they've actually missed a few opportunities and the more cohesion they develop, the more they'll be dangerous in finishing some of those opportunities. "They've got incredible strength and depth so as we see them play the Waratahs they'll develop those combinations and that will be what we'll be tracking beyond this Fiji game." Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wants Taniela Tupou to send a reminder about what he can bring to the Test arena when the powerhouse prop squares off against the Lions. Tupou was demoted from the Wallabies line-up to face Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday and will instead turn out for his NSW Waratahs against the British and Irish tourists at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Schmidt hasn't closed the book on Tupou winning selection for the Wallabies' opening Test against the Lions in Brisbane on July 19 but said he needs to see more from the 29-year-old, who was in patchy form this Super Rugby Pacific season. "With Taniela, I'd love to see him just be really, really strong at set-piece," Schmidt said from Newcastle. "I think the set-piece is somewhere that can be a real strength for him and I felt in the Super Rugby, toward the end, he had some pretty good performances, particularly in the scrum, and then just making sure he's contributing around the field as best he can." Schmidt said that the best form of Tupou's 58-Test career wasn't that long ago, and urged the France-bound prop to revisit his last international appearance, against Ireland in December. "The last game he played for us was against Ireland and he made a 50-metre dash up the field at one stage and he was very strong in the scrum. "And so we haven't forgotten that and I'm hoping, and I've spoken to "Nella", that he hasn't forgotten it either. "He knows he's capable and we just want to see him demonstrate that capability." The Waratahs mark the third tour match for the Lions, who have had commanding victories over the Western Force and Queensland Reds. Andy Farrell's men have been particularly dominant in the second half, outscoring the two Australian sides 64-0. Schmidt said the tourists hadn't been at their best in those victories, which demonstrated their massive depth. "They've been pretty impressive," Schmidt said. "I think in the two games in the first 20 minutes they haven't really started that well ... they've actually missed a few opportunities and the more cohesion they develop, the more they'll be dangerous in finishing some of those opportunities. "They've got incredible strength and depth so as we see them play the Waratahs they'll develop those combinations and that will be what we'll be tracking beyond this Fiji game."
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Tupou needs to tame Lions to earn Wallabies recall
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt wants Taniela Tupou to send a reminder about what he can bring to the Test arena when the powerhouse prop squares off against the Lions. Tupou was demoted from the Wallabies line-up to face Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday and will instead turn out for his NSW Waratahs against the British and Irish tourists at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Schmidt hasn't closed the book on Tupou winning selection for the Wallabies' opening Test against the Lions in Brisbane on July 19 but said he needs to see more from the 29-year-old, who was in patchy form this Super Rugby Pacific season. "With Taniela, I'd love to see him just be really, really strong at set-piece," Schmidt said from Newcastle. "I think the set-piece is somewhere that can be a real strength for him and I felt in the Super Rugby, toward the end, he had some pretty good performances, particularly in the scrum, and then just making sure he's contributing around the field as best he can." Schmidt said that the best form of Tupou's 58-Test career wasn't that long ago, and urged the France-bound prop to revisit his last international appearance, against Ireland in December. "The last game he played for us was against Ireland and he made a 50-metre dash up the field at one stage and he was very strong in the scrum. "And so we haven't forgotten that and I'm hoping, and I've spoken to "Nella", that he hasn't forgotten it either. "He knows he's capable and we just want to see him demonstrate that capability." The Waratahs mark the third tour match for the Lions, who have had commanding victories over the Western Force and Queensland Reds. Andy Farrell's men have been particularly dominant in the second half, outscoring the two Australian sides 64-0. Schmidt said the tourists hadn't been at their best in those victories, which demonstrated their massive depth. "They've been pretty impressive," Schmidt said. "I think in the two games in the first 20 minutes they haven't really started that well ... they've actually missed a few opportunities and the more cohesion they develop, the more they'll be dangerous in finishing some of those opportunities. "They've got incredible strength and depth so as we see them play the Waratahs they'll develop those combinations and that will be what we'll be tracking beyond this Fiji game."
News.com.au
7 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Goosebumps': Jesse Motlop's touching Diogo Jota move
Jesse Motlop drew an emotional reaction from fans on both sides of the globe following his tribute to Liverpool striker Diogo Jota on Friday night. Jota's death in a car accident on Thursday shocked world sport, leading to an outpouring of grief for a popular goalscorer and father of three who had just celebrated his wedding. Murals and tributes have been set up at Anfield and his native Portugal as fans try to come to terms with the death of the 28-year-old, along with his brother Andre Silva, 26. Jota was also known among the Liverpool supporter base for his unique goal celebrations and young Carlton half-forward Motlop drew on one of them against Collingwood at the MCG. Watch Jesse Motlop's tribute to Jota in the player above Jota was also a handy gamer and after he scored the winning goal in the 94th minute against Tottenham in a 4-3 thriller back in 2023, he sat crossed legged and mimicked playing a video game. And that's exactly what 21-year-old Motlop did after he kicked a goal for the battling Blues late in the opening quarter. The commentators initially had no idea what Motlop was up to and it wasn't until a replay later in the Fox Footy broadcast that they had been informed of its meaning. 'Those who know these things better than us are telling us the Motlop celebration is in tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool player who lost his life in a car accident yesterday,' Gerard Whateley said. 'That was one of his trademark celebrations.' The moment was picked up by football fans across the globe. Liverpool fan Nick Karra posted a photo on X of Motlop's moment and wrote: 'Class from Jesse Motlop! YNWA and rest easy Diogo Jota.' YNWA refers to Liverpool's famous motto, You'll Never Walk Alone. Another Liverpool fan tweeted: 'All class from Jesse Motlop there, watching the game RIGHT NOW & when I tell you the amount of goosebumps I had when I clocked what he was doing … Still can't wrap my head around the fact our boy Diogo Jota is gone.' The official AFL account on X was quick to pick up on the symbolism, tweeting the video with the caption: 'For the late @LFC star Diogo Jota.' One fan replied: 'I'm no soccer fan but respect.' Another fan joked: 'Didn't think a Blues player scoring a goal would make me shed a tear. Full respect to Motlop.' Anfield Agenda, a YouTube channel dedicated to the Red, also saw the moment and tweeted: 'AFL player Jesse Motlop just dedicated his goal to Diogo Jota by using Jota's trademark celebration.' Aussie Liverpool fan Mark Ashton also wrote: 'This is wonderful. The great @DiogoJota18 touched all. A beautiful tribute from Jesse Motlop in the @AFL.' Ashton then tagged a series of Liverpool podcasts and fan pages. Carlton's official X account also showed some class by tweeting photos and a video of the moment and using part of Liverpool's official fan chant for Jota in the caption. 'He's a lad from Portugal, Better than Figo don't you know. Oh his name is Diogo,' the Blues wrote. Sports presenter Adam Palombi offered: 'The Jota tribute by Motlop was utterly beautiful.' Motlop's moment wasn't the only one being noticed during the Blues' clash with the old enemy. Carlton coach Michael Voss, who is under enormous pressure following a wretched recent run from his side, was seen in the first half sitting on some stairs in an odd position at the MCG. After Dan McStay kicked a late first-quarter goal to put the Pies in front, Anthony Hudson said: 'Michael Voss watches on from the aisle. Every time he feels the movie is looking a bit better, there's a twist he doesn't like and doesn't see coming.' Hudson later added: 'Michael Voss watches a little uncomfortably from upstairs.' Collingwood great Dane Swan also spotted the unusual look. He tweeted: 'Voss surely can't see the whole ground sitting back row on the stairs against the wall. That is one strange spot for the head coach to be sitting.' Perhaps he didn't want to watch, with the Pies opening up an eight-goal lead in the third term.
