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ONCE the opportunity to move to Geelong presented itself, Zach Tuohy was very eager to make it happen.

The former Blue was traded for utility Billie Smedts, with Geelong also giving Carlton pick No.63 and their 2017 first-round pick, while the Blues parted ways with their 2017 second-round pick. 

"As soon as Geelong came along I was really keen, given the calibre of club they are and the calibre of people that seem to be working at the club," Tuohy told geelongcats.com.au. 

"Once the option was available I was all over it and I was just rapt that it finally got done." 

Tuohy has signed a four-year deal with the Cats and shapes as the like-for-like replacement for retired champion Corey Enright off half-back. 

He provides rebound from the back half and a certain toughness that has been lacking at the Cats in recent seasons. 

"That's what I've been doing for a few years and I'm really comfortable in that position and I think that's why I was brought here," Tuohy said. 

Tuohy has recently been back home in Ireland on holidays with his family and was lucky to receive a certificate of honour from his hometown Laois county council. 

Fellow Cats recruit Mark O'Connor also hails from Ireland and Tuohy hopes he will be able to help guide the youngster through the AFL system.

"I love the idea of having Irish guys at the club and the benefit I can give him is that I would have been through the same things he is about to go through," Tuohy said.

"I can just be a sounding board. He seems like a really mature guy already, but I'll certainly be there to help him in anyway I can." 

Tuohy will return for pre-season training with the rest of the fifth-year and older players on December 5. 

"It feels like I haven't played in a long time, so I can't wait to get going," Tuohy said.

"It's only a few weeks away now, but I’m certainly chomping at the bit."