KEVIN CASSIDY: Adapting to change

I WAS writing here last week about how excited I was about the new rules coming into the game.

This week, I am taking it a stage further. I am going to try ranking the teams based on how I think the rules will suit them.

1 – Kerry

It’s goes without saying that, in theory, giving their tradition of how they play the game, Kerry should benefit massively from the new rules. If you also mix in the fact that they had a poor enough season last year then that hunger should also be there.

Anyone who is not excited at the prospect of seeing David Clifford in one-on-one situations more often, I doubt they really love our game at all.

Kerry have wonderful kickpassers so they should adjust well to these changes. The one big question is whether or not they have three tight man markers at the other end of the pitch.

2 – Galway

After nearly getting over the line, I think these rule changes come just at the right time for this Galway team.

They need something just to edge them over that line and these rule changes just might do it.

Just imagine the fear of other teams knowing that Walsh, Comer and Finnerty are loitering about that 45-metre line just waiting for early ball inside.

The big difference, for me, between themselves and Kerry, is that Galway do have the man markers at the other end of the pitch.

3 – Donegal

I am going to put Donegal here as I really do think that they have the armour to make hay with these new rules.

Having Michael Murphy back on the edge of the square will be a massive boost and outlet. We also have some fantastic long-range shooters on our panel.

The one area where we will need to work on most is that man on man defending.

We are probably the team least used to defending like this.

Over the last 10 years or more, Donegal have always had a plus two at the back at the very least.

Taking that security blanket away will be a massive shift in approach for them. Jim will no doubt go after the fitness aspect this year and try and be the fittest team around

For me, that may be the wrong approach.

I would spend hours on end getting my players used to that one-on-one combat again.

4 – Dublin

They would have been further up the ladder only for the departures of key players in recent weeks.

Given how naturally gifted most of their players are, they should also adapt well to the changes.

Their easy route through Leinster also plays a massive part in having them primed and ready just at the right time.

When you look at their panel they have a nice blend there. I do think they are dangerous but I don’t think that they have enough quality now to win it outright.

5 – Tyrone

It may surprise people that I have Tyrone in my top five instead of Armagh, but hear me out.

I think it’s a massive ask to expect Armagh to hit those dizzy heights again this year.

When a team has success then the potential for effort levels to drop slightly are massive.

Tyrone on the other hand have a change of management and they should be hurt and hungry after watching their neighbours lift Sam last year.

Like Galway, imagine the prospect of the two Canavans and Darren McCurry left inside. Even if they change things up and leave Cathal McShane in there.

They have very good young players coming through and, in Malachy O’Rourke and Ryan Porter, they have two of the brightest minds in Gaelic games right now.