Carlton's resident Irishman Zach Tuohy is preparing to take on one of his Blues teammates this weekend, when the Irish meet the Indigenous All-Stars in the first match of the International Rules series. 
 
Tuohy will run out for the Irish team, while Chris Yarran will line up for the Indigenous All-Stars.
 
One of Carlton’s most consistent players in 2013, Tuohy was one of just five Blues to play in every game.
 
When reflecting on his season, Tuohy said his highlight was running out in front of 95,000 people in the Elimination Final against Richmond.
 
“Finals are always a bit special, but when there's no other seat to be had at the MCG, it's pretty special,” Tuohy said.
 
“It wasn't the most nervous I've been, it was the most excited – the excitement takes over the nerves.
 
“Hopefully we have a few more games like that next year.”
 
Since being recruited by Carlton as an International Rookie in 2010, Tuohy has notched up 54 games in the navy blue.
 
While moving overseas to play a foreign game was a big change and a big challenge – an even bigger challenge is on the way for the 23-year-old this summer.
 
But when CFC TV tried to ask Tuohy about the best thing to happen to him off the field in 2013, the typical Irish humour shone through.
 
“I just got a new car which is pretty good,” Tuohy said.  “My dog, I've got a husky .. “
 
No Zach, that’s not what we were getting at.
 
“Nah,” he finally smiled. “Me and my partner are expecting our first child next January. 
"She's coming back in the off-season to meet the rest of the family and we're very excited.
 
“So if I do have a drop off in performance next year, you will know it will be because of a lack of sleep!”
 
And while the 23-year-old heads home to Ireland each off-season, he says he’s quite content to stay at Visy Park – for good.
 
“I never want to play for anyone else,” Tuohy said.
 
“I'd like to be a one club player and hopefully I have a few more years left at the Club.
 
“I'm just very proud – very proud to play for the team I play for and hopefully (will) give the Club and supporters some of the success they deserve.”