FORMER GEELONG STAR TUOHY SHARES “SAD NEWS” OF POSTNATAL STRUGGLES IN NEW BOOK
Former Geelong Cats champion Zach Tuohy has opened up about the “sad news” of his hidden emotional battle with postnatal depression during his playing days, shedding light on men’s mental health in sport following his retirement and the release of his memoir, The Irish Experiment.
In a raw and courageous revelation, the Irish-born star has disclosed that as a new dad, he endured intense struggles that left him crying in his car after training before putting on a brave face to go home. The difficult period remained a secret throughout his time on the field, with Tuohy choosing to share his story only after hanging up his boots, hoping to encourage other athletes and men to speak up about their mental health challenges.
Tuohy’s announcement has struck a chord across the AFL community, where discussions around mental wellbeing have grown in recent years but still face stigma. His willingness to confront such a personal struggle publicly has been praised as a significant step in normalising conversations about postnatal depression in men – a condition often overlooked in traditional narratives around parenthood.
The revelation comes alongside recognition of Tuohy’s extraordinary on-field legacy at Geelong, where he established himself as one of the club’s most beloved icons. A durable and skilful defender-utility, he played a pivotal role in the Cats’ 2022 AFL Premiership victory, a crowning moment in a glittering career. He also made history as the Irish-born player with the most AFL games, finishing with 288 appearances to surpass Jim Stynes’ long-standing record.
Throughout his time at Kardinia Park, Tuohy was renowned for his consistency, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure – qualities that made his hidden battle all the more surprising to fans and teammates alike. His book, which weaves his mental health journey with tales of his transition from Gaelic football in Ireland to the top tier of Australian rules, has become a powerful platform for raising awareness about the human side of elite sport.
