Geelong’s Zach Tuohy, Jed Bews and Tanner Bruhn return to face West Coast Eagles
Retiring Irishman Zach Tuohy is among three changes for Geelong ahead of its final home game of the regular season.
Geelong coach Chris Scott predicts an emotional sendoff in Saturday’s Kardinia Park swansong for retiring duo Zach Tuohy and Tom Hawkins.
Tuohy returns to the Cats’ line-up for their round 24 clash against West Coast, days after he announced his impending retirement at the end of the season, while Hawkins was running at training on Friday but is still listed a week away with his foot injury.
Scott said it would be great for fans to see Tuohy play at GMHBA Stadium one last time before acknowledging Saturday’s fixture — which will honour the pair — would be an emotional one for many.
“It should be a joyous occasion but there’s going to be a tinge of sadness as well,” Scott said.
“These moments, although they do happen every year... it doesn’t’ make it any less emotional.
“Zach has quickly become a lot of people’s favourite player.
“It’s a bit like Tom Hawkins and Joel Selwood — you hope they can play forever and you know that’s not true.”
Scott said Tuohy had handled himself “beautifully” when breaking the news to teammates this week.
“He spoke at length of his appreciation of the club and the people and especially the players,” Scott said.
“He’s balancing the emotional disappointment with the fact he’s coming to the end with the excitement of what we've got coming.
“It’s much, much better to be alive (for finals) and to have a chance to do something great and finish that way.”
Touhy is one of three changes for Geelong, defender Jed Bews breaking back into the senior side after a brief stint back at VFL level, while midfielder Tanner Bruhn returns from concussion.
Mitch Knevitt and Oisin Mullin make way, with Gary Rohan managed.
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Plenty is on the line for the Cats, a win potentially moving them up as high as second if other results and percentage go their way, while a loss could have consequences for their top four hopes and see them finish as low as eighth.
Scott said his players wouldn’t shy away from what was at stakes.
“We are on edge and there is some nervous excitement but that’s when the good stuff happens,” he said.
Originally published as Geelong’s Zach Tuohy, Jed Bews and Tanner Bruhn return to face West Coast Eagles
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