Playing on the last line of defence is no easy task, but Zach Tuohy played a vital role in the Cats win over Essendon on Saturday in the back half.  

The versatile veteran picked up an equal game-high nine intercept possessions, with 19 of his 20 disposals coming in the Cats defensive half to help repel numerous Essendon attacks.   

Not only were his defensive efforts important, but the Irishman also used his booming right foot to set up Geelong’s offense.  

Tuohy joined 3AW Football post match, giving full credit to the coaching staff for a number of subtle changes that steered the Cats to an important win.   

"I think we have been coached excellently, especially through a difficult period of the season,” Tuohy told 3AW.  

“I am obviously biased but I think we have the best coach in the game, while not every decision works perfectly they are extremely innovative as a coaching group.  

“Scotty is constantly on the look out for these little tweaks, if that hadn't worked tonight then he would have found a way around that next week.  

“I am glad people picked up on it because too often when we win, it is the players who get the credit and when we lose the coaches get the blame.  

“It was an excellent night for the coaches.” 

Chris Scott and the coaching staff made a number of moves on Saturday, including Tom Stewart through the midfield, with Sam De Koning backing up to play a role in the ruck for the second week.  

The subtle changes helped give the Cats a different look, resulting in a ten goal second half as Geelong turned a five point deficit into a 45 point victory.  

Tuohy noted that there were moments in the game where the Cats needed to hold firm against the flow of play, before capitalising when the momentum shifted their way.  

“It is a game of fine margins,” Tuohy said.  

“They had a period in the second quarter where we were under severe pressure in the back half, and I thought during that period we held up really well.  

“When we had to hold up we really did, at times when we had limited opportunities we looked clinical up front.  

“Then when we did get control, we put our foot on the throat in a really pleasing way.”