Geezer says Kerry can hit too

Kieran McGeeney has claimed Kerry’s physical edge is being overlooked.

The Kildare manager believes Jack O’Connor’s side are masters at treading the line of what’s legal and what’s not in the game. However, he said their wealth of skilful players ensure the team’s heavy-hitting tactics are ignored.

“I know Kerry people don’t like to hear it but Kerry are a team that walk the line successfully,” said McGeeney. “They are very physical but also are superb footballers and so they seem to get away with not being labelled with the tag of being a physical side.

“They are and that’s why I always love watching Kerry playing football and that’s why I enjoyed playing against them. They are very physically aggressive when going for the ball, but they are very good on it when they get it.

“Kerry can be just as physical in the contact as any of the northern teams, but they escape under the radar when physical teams are being labelled and fair play to them.”

McGeeney also says the championship structure is weighed too heavy in Kerry and Cork’s favour.

“It’s so tough to get out of Leinster while in Munster it has been Cork and Kerry more less all the time, and one of them will nearly always emerge after one tough game to the quarter-finals.

“While in Leinster you may have to play four or five games before you get to the last eight by the direct route. It’s tough but all we are looking for is fair play.”