Why Kerry are so easy on the eye

Intensity and work-rate are the modern day bedrocks of football success. But finesse must still have a place

Gaelic Football is always changing. While stats are a relatively new phenomenon, trends are now clearly identifiable and deviations spotted.

For example, possession was previously seen as key to winning any game. This no longer seems to be a prerequisite. In last year’s All-Ireland final, Kerry won midfield hands down. The Kingdom won 63% of the kick outs (15 clean catches and 11 breaks) whereas Dublin won only 37% (seven clean catches and eight breaks). It is the efficiency of possession which has taken on a heightened state of importance. Dublin achieved 13 scores from 30 attacks whereas Kerry achieved 12 scores from 31 attacks.