I would have dropped Hickey for sure if he didn’t show some signs of form. Based on the last two seasons, as well as club form, he doesn’t deserve to start. But he has a serious amount of talent, especially under a high ball and his All-Star was well-deserved in 2014. Obviously it was only Kerry, but he looked sharp. Worth a go at wing-back in the league… and that could free up Hegarty to go centre-back maybe (or into the forwards).
I wouldn’t say Hannon was anonymous, he got on the ball a bit. But we didn’t learn anything about whether he’s suitable for centre-back. We need to know whether he’s going to be able to stop the likes of Bonner and Gleeson and Harnedy rampaging through the middle, or whether he’s going to offer that extra bit of protection to the full-back, unlike the last two years.
True about Jim-Bob, lined up at 12 for puckouts but seemed to be operating as a third midfielder for most of his time on the pitch. Talk of him slowing down is absolute shit, he outran everyone on the pitch I’d say; I’d be very surprised if we don’t find a place for him there.
Centre-forward is definitely Morrissey’s position, good work rate from there too. Scored a few nice points but I do think he’ll have to be a viable ballwinner and direct runner if he wants to start there. Has the raw materials though.
Could be confirmation bias on my part, but I think yesterday’s match was a perfect example of why Hayes isn’t a forward. Had a few chances to take a score which didn’t come off, and while he went on one great surging run and set up a goal another time, he’s just so much better attacking the ball and finding a pass. Nice bit of aggression too, although he got his nose bust open by some Kerry back.
Nash is serious, just need to pick his best position. Been mostly played inside for his goalscoring ability, but I wonder would he be more effective running from deep.
Casey looked class, need to see him against a sticky corner-back though.
I didn’t think Lynch was that great by his own high standards, few really nice things but seemed to do a lot better when he drifted out to between the half-forward and full-forward lines. Couple of needless flicks losing possession too.
And Richie was excellent but we learned nothing because we all know he’s very good as the spare man, he’s a fine natural hurler. What we need to know is he able to live with a full-forward like Callanan or Reid or even McDonald. Because I don’t think many teams will be playing one and two-man full-forward lines this year.
