Dashing defender Zach Tuohy has joined the Cats following a trade with Carlton.

The 26-year-old Irishman requested a trade to Geelong via the 2016 trade period, with a deal being struck which sees Billie Smedts moved to the Blues along with the Cats future-first round pick and pick 63 in this year's national draft.

The Cats receive Tuohy and a future second-round pick in return.

Tuohy has been among the league’s best defenders in recent years, and has finished in the top 10 of the Blues best and fairest three times in the past four seasons. He was also named in the AFL Coaches’ Association team of the year in 2015.
 
Originally from county Laois in Ireland, Tuohy played 120 games across six seasons with the Blues. He kicked 40 goals since debuting in 2011. Tuohy has played in three finals with Carlton and twice represented Ireland in the International Rules Series.