'Gratitude' the watchword for Zach Tuohy after breaking record for Irish appearances in VFL/AFL

It was a landmark occasion for Zach Tuohy as the Laois native broke the all-time appearance record for an Irish player in the VFL/AFL by helping Geelong Cats beat North Melbourne.

The momentous milestone had been looming large ahead of the weekend, with the 33-year-old Portlaoise man having drawn level with the late Jim Stynes on 264 appearances last week.

And on Sunday, it was a double celebration at Geelong's home, the GMHBA Stadium, as the team beat North Melbourne 125-63, while the record set by Tuohy, who contributed 18 disposals to the cause, was recognised by the club and its fans.

He was joined by his family as Stynes' family presented him with the late Dubliner's jersey after the game.

Speaking about the sense of occasion around his milestone in the post-match press conference, Tuohy said: "I was a little bit caught off guard, just in terms of, I wasn't really sure how I was going to feel.

"I got some things right in that I was pretty sure the overwhelming sense was going to be gratitude. I think every player and every coach has sliding doors moments and I shudder to think what could have been had I not ended up here.

"And last year [winning the AFL Grand Final] capped off everything and it just keeps getting better and better being part of this club. I just genuinely have an overwhelming sense of gratitude."

New AFL Irish games record holder Zach Tuohy shares a touching moment with the family of late great Jim Stynes.