Irishman Zach Tuohy is arguably the best kick of his countrymen in the AFL and he says the secret has been a lack of thought.

The Carlton defender has developed into a vital player for the Blues since being drafted from Ireland in the 2010 rookie draft.

Tuohy had previously played Gaelic football in Ireland where he caught the Blues' attention and told SEN Radio he'd been watching the Australian game "flat out" for a few years before his move down under.

But while kicking an oval-shaped ball has proved a significant challenge for many international players, Tuohy's ability makes it seem like he's played the game since early childhood.

The trick, according to the bearded Blue, was to forget about technique and just relax.

"They just sent me out a couple of footys back home. I used to just go out with a couple of my mates and we'd kick around – I don't really remember thinking too much about [how to kick]," Tuohy said.

"We would just have little stupid comps back home and then when I did come here to get technical about how to hold it and how to kick it - the more I thought, the worse I got.

"I tried to blank everything out and just get it going somewhere straight and I think it's worked for me."

Tuohy's getting more of the ball this year than he ever has previously, averaging 13 disposals a game.

One day he said he'd like to be able to push up the ground and spend time on a wing.

The Blues will need him at his best on Friday night when they take on North Melbourne in a game that could decide which of the teams plays finals footy.

Tuohy didn't try to underplay the significance of the clash and described it as a 'must-win'.

"There's no question about it it, it's going to be a huge game for both teams," he said.

"Both of us probably still fancy our chances of making finals and if you want to make finals these are some of the games you've just got to win."