It is now nigh-on impossible to imagine Geelong’s defence without the ever-reliable Zach Guthrie quietly going about his business. 

As he prepares to run out in the Blue and White Hoops for the 100th time at AFL level this weekend, Guthrie is a testament to patience with development at the AFL level. 

With development prioritised early in his career, Guthrie took his opportunities when they presented, and split his time between the AFL and VFL, playing 20 games at the top level across his first four seasons. 

In 2021, Guthrie added 13 games to the tally, but it was a brilliant 2022 campaign that cemented his spot in the AFL team. 

01:37

Defensive Duo Sign On | Highlights

Jack Henry and Zach Guthrie have extended their tenures in the Hoops, both signing new deals during the week.

After managing three games across the opening seven rounds of the 2022 season, Guthrie earned another call-up in Round 8 and hasn’t missed a game since. 

He played 18 games straight that season and was an important contributor as Geelong went on to win the Premiership, celebrating the win alongside elder brother Cameron. 

Guthrie continued the streak in 2023, one of three Cats to play every game, and was rewarded with a career-high fourth-place finish in the 2023 Carji Greeves Medal count, following a strong season that saw him average a career-high 16.1 disposals, 5.6 marks and 2.2 spoils per game. 

13:08

Zach Guthrie & Jack Henry Press Conference | Round 24

Zach Guthrie & Jack Henry spoke to media, following the pair both re-signing with Geelong. Proudly Presented by Ford

In 2024, Guthrie has continued to deliver as a reliable member of Geelong’s defence, stepping up to play an intercepting role akin to the of Tom Stewart’s at times when the Cats’ vice-captain has pushed further into the midfield. 

But the 26-year-old is not averse to pushing up the ground himself and has kicked 14 goals across his career – four of them coming this year alone. 

Guthrie, who committed to the end of 2025 earlier this year, has this week put pen to paper for a further three years, keeping him in the Hoops until at least the end of 2028. 

Guthrie will play his 100th AFL game when the Cats face West Coast on Saturday afternoon, with tickets still available for the clash at GMHBA Stadium. 

Make sure you collect your Tom Hawkins face mask outside the ground and be in your seats by 1pm for the chance to win 1 of 50 giveaways!