Kieran Shannon: Heads or tails — the wind is back at the centre of strategy

From Wexford’s 1996 triumph to Dublin’s dramatic comeback, GAA teams are mastering ‘what-if’ planning to outsmart opponents

Referee David Coldrick performs the coin toss with Galway captain Seán Kelly, left, and Donegal captain Caolan McGonagle before the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Galway and Donegal at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach, Sportsfile

Jim Gavin would later term it war gaming but before the battle that was the 1996 All-Ireland hurling final the Wexford hurlers engaged in a practice they called What-If scenario planning.

What if Limerick break from the parade? What if we have a man sent off? What if they do?