Geelong veteran Zach Tuohy has been hit hard by the human toll caused by the COVID 19 virus, with the club forced to stand down 100 staff last week.

Football clubs can feel like an extended family for all involved, and Tuohy has seen many close to him among the staff stood down.

“It’s hard to describe,” Tuohy told Fox Footy.

“They are work colleagues but the vast majority of them are our friends.

“They are people you enjoy spending time with. Some of them are doing it hard. It shows what a significant impact this has had on everyone. It’s hard to believe but here we are.”

Hailing from Laois in Ireland, Tuohy did not consider returning home during the lay off, instead choosing to remain close to the local community.

“Going back to Ireland didn’t really cross my mind,” he said.

“I’ve got two kids here, and I’ve been here for 10 years. I’m pretty well settled.

“Ireland is a couple of weeks ahead of Australia in the impact of it.  I’ve got a lot of relatives that have been in unofficial lockdown for some time now. I never thought I’d see anything on this scale."

Tuohy started his Australian journey in 2009, before debuting with Carlton in 2010. He went onto play 120 games with the Blues before crossing to Geelong in 2017. He has now played 67 games in the hoops and just last month represented the All Stars in the bushfire relief game against Victoria.