With more space for attackers and less sweepers, football has become a game for forwards. Michael McMullan takes a look at the defenders who have still stood out.

Dylan Byrne (Monaghan)

IF you didn’t know it was the Magheracloone starlet’s first season, you’d never have been able to tell. Called into the squad on the back of an impressive championship run. He has played in every game of Monaghan’s season so far and the fact he was man of the match in the league final, on his first appearance in Croke Park, tells a lot. A big future ahead.

Ché Cullen (Fermanagh)

LIKE his twin brother Lee, he’s a pivotal part of Fermanagh’s defence. Imposing in the air, tough to get past and as resilient as they come. His last-ditch block to deny Odhrán Murdock a certain goal in the championship game at Brewster Park was breathtaking. Uses his experience and positioning to his advantage. Can play ball on the way out too.

Peter Teague (Tyrone)

THE Dromore man has stepped up in the absence of Ronan McNamee and Padraig Hampsey to be the rock at the heart of the Tyrone defence. He got forward to nick a goal against Derry early in the season and has been steady since. The only sniff Cavan got of goal was through Thomas Edward Donohoe but Teague pulled the door closed.

Jason Foley (Kerry)

A SPRINTER in his youth, Foley has taken his speed and athleticism to his marking role in the Kingdom’s defence. When there is a key man to be picked up, Foley is top of the queue every week and has been an ever-present as Kerry went on to clinch the league final. His footwork and experience make him a tough nut for any forward to crack.

Barry McCambridge (Armagh)

TOOK his Armagh form into club action with Clann Éireann and has carried it back into life under the new rules. Like Foley, he is quick over the grass and he has the footballing IQ and skills to make it work. Can push out f needed but his role is very much back at home. Yes, Armagh do use a shuffle defence around the arc, but McCambridge still has to do his own job.

Brendan McCole (Donegal)

A SIMILAR story to McCambridge. Donegal’s system involved protecting the D, clogging the middle and breaking the other way. It works in that McCole can still be trusted to latch on to whoever and take them out of the game. He is a master at it and is in the physical condition of his life.

Johnny McGrath (Galway)

PADRAIC Joyce has plenty of midfield cover and is no longer as reliant on Shane Walsh and Damien Comer, but having a player like Johnny McGrath in defence is gold. A treasure. He can just dedicate his game to blotting whatever key forward he is assigned to and always seems to be able to hang tough regardless of space.

Daniel O’Mahony (Cork)

ANYONE who is tasked with marking David Clifford has to be a top defender. O’Mahony has been John Cleary’s number one firefighter and has been a regular in the Rebels’ cause. He is commanding and always seems to know where exactly to be. With players like Brian O’Driscoll pushing forward, he gets less protection than most.

Brian Stack (Roscommon)

THIS is a bit of a cheat in that Stack missed much of the league but I have seen of him to enough to tell me he will be the dog a team needs in the new look game. From seeing Roscommon twice in the flesh in recent seasons, their open play leaves the one v one situation more than others and Stack has been able to adapt.

Eunan Walsh (Antrim)

HE excelled in all of the Saffrons’ early season challenge games and soon nailed down a regular spot under manager Andy McEntee. He has always looked like he belonged in the full back line. The acid test was against All-Ireland champions Armagh. The fact Antrim were aggressive on the front foot left Walsh to sink or swim. More often than not, he conquered the choppy waters.