The loss for Geelong spells the end of Zach Tuohy’s career in the AFL, the Laois man having confirmed in August that he would retire at the end of the club’s 2024 campaign. The 34-year-old, who was omitted from Saturday’s squad, holds the record for the most AFL appearances by an Irish-born player having overtaken Jim Stynes’ tally in 2023.

CONOR MCKENNA COULD feature in his second consecutive Australian Rules Grand Final, after his Brisbane Lions team defeated Geelong Cats 95-85. However, the long and distinguished career of Zach Tuohy, the record-holder of AFL appearances for any Irish player, has come to an end after he was left off the team.

Geelong's preparations for their preliminary final showdown with Brisbane have been rocked after assistant coach Steven King collapsed at training on Friday. King, who is one of the final candidates for the vacant West Coast coaching job, was rushed to hospital after suffering a "medical episode" at GMHBA Stadium on Friday morning.

The Cats and Lions meet at the MCG with a place in the AFL grand final up for grabs. Join Craig Little for updates

Geelong are ready to put the clamps on Brisbane's stars, including Lachie Neale, to help them beat the Lions and claim an AFL grand final berth.