FORMER LAOIS FOOTBALLER Zach Tuohy has fallen short in his attempt to become the first Irishman to appear in an AFL Grand Final since Tadhg Kennelly.
Kerry All-Ireland winner Kennelly featured in the Grand Final in 2005 and 2006, winning an AFL Premiership medallion the first time around.
But Tuohy’s Geelong Cats were on the receiving end of a heavy 136-75 defeat to Adelaide Crows, who booked only a third Grand Final in their history and their first in 19 years.
The 27-year-old was one of Geelong’s top-performers in front of the 53,817-strong crowd, but his side were way off the pace throughout.
The Crows raced clear in the first quarter, kicking six goals to one to take control of the preliminary final. They dominated midfield with Crouch brothers Matt and Brad in fine form.
Charlie Cameron kicked five goals in an impressive performance for Adelaide, who were the form team throughout this year’s competition. They’ll take on the winners of Richmond and Greater Western Sydney in the Grand Final.
Tuohy enjoyed a fine season and he was hailed as one of the recruits of the year in the local media this week. It was his first preliminary final appearance in his career.
Mark O’Connor, who captained the Kerry minors to All-Ireland glory in 2015, didn’t feature for Geelong.
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