Maurice Brosnan: Eight observations from the 2025 Gaelic football season - and predictions for 2026

When it comes to football's new age, progress has been real and two truths can coexist - the work has begun - and the work is far from finished. The volume of tactical labour undertaken this off-season by managements will be greater than at any other point in the game’s history

There will be versions of both zonal and man-to-man defensive systems employed for the 2026 season. In fact, our expectation is that zonal systems will remain central in 2026. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Start with a quick exercise. Think back over the year of Gaelic football you witnessed in 2025. To what extent have teams embraced, and maximised, the possibilities offered by the new rules? Be specific. Score it out of 10.

Despite the overwhelming praise that has surrounded the Football Review Committee’s work, there has been a lingering criticism around the lack of creativity. To some, Gaelic football still feels too unvaried. It is argued a host of teams play the same way or have failed to explore the enhancements’ full potential. On a menu full of options, too many diners are still opting for the set course.