The free-taker: Luxury or not?

It’s one of the GAA’s great pub debates: would he be playing if he wasn’t so good at the frees? For several counties this summer, the issue’s a live one

PRECEDENT has shown in all sports that the success or failure of “the frees” can make or break a season.

While undeniably the difference in some games, every year some inter-county team stirs up the debate; can they carry a proven free taker in place of AN Other who may contribute more from open play? It’s a tricky issue. Proven dead ball experts are not uncommon. Many club teams around the country have excellent free takers in their sides. However, not all these guys are capable of playing at inter-county level. The tipping point is debated long and hard — when do the costs outweigh the benefits? When does the perceived contribution of the free-taker from open play become too minimal relative to a viable replacement? Equally, it’s about mentality as much as ability. Is their ability from placed balls in training and league games transferable to the big stage?