Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Tyrone are the litmus test of Kerry's defensive refit

Tyrone needed goals to win the match in 2021, scoring three to eventually win by a point. To win Saturday they will again need a few majors

UNDER PRESSURE: Kerry's Diarmuid O'Connor in action against the Tyrone press in the delayed 2021 All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park. Pic: Brendan Moran, Sportsfile

When Jack O’Connor was appointed Kerry manager for his third term in September 2021, it was clear that the chastening one-point defeat to Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final was going to be his starting and finishing point with regard to what changes were going to be made. 

Jack was well aware there would be no need for wholesale alterations, but, first off, he was going to make Kerry harder to beat. He understood the depth of talent within the squad. He knew that he was getting them at the right age profile with a good training age.