The Cats' Whiskers Episode 23 2021 - Bernard Toohey - a podcast by Wes Cusworth

Recruited from Barooga in the Picola and District Football League, Bernard Toohey made his debut for Geelong in Round 5, 1981 clash against Richmond at the MCG.

Starting out as a rugged half back flanker, Toohey proved he could occasionally pinch hit in attack as he demonstrated with a seven goal haul (including 5 in the last quarter) also against the Tigers in 1982.

His stand-out season with the Cats was in 1985 as he cemented his reputation as one of the best dashing defenders in the league and earning the first of many State guernseys.

Regrettably for Cats fans he transferred to the Sydney Swans after 94 games and 35 goals - along with Coach Tom Hafey and teammates Greg Williams and David Bolton at the height of the Edelsten private ownership era.

Toohey lost none of his flair at the Swans being a top contributor each week in either defence or attack, even winning the Swans goalkicking award in 1989, including an eight goal bag against Essendon late in the season.

At the end of the 1991 season after 129 games and 76 goals with the Swans, Toohey returned to Victoria for a further two seasons with Footscray including being a key member of their finals success as they pushed through to a Preliminary Final in his first season with the Dogs.

Toohey retired at the end of the 1993 season following a combined 263 games and 115 goals. He represented both Victoria and New South Wales in State-of-Origin football earning All-Australian selection in 1987.

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