Defending deep might prove naive in new rules era, says Ciarán Whelan

Ciarán Whelan suspects the days of packed, deep-lying defences could be coming to an end as the new rules force major tactical rethinks across the country.

Last weekend's first round of Allianz Football League games saw counties get a first tase of the sweeping amendments to Gaelic football in a competitive environment, with some teams adjusting to the changed landscape more effectively than others.

The 'three-up, three-back' rule - which means teams have to keep at least three players in each half throughout the game - coupled with the continued allowance for goalkeepers to roam move into the opposing half of the field to bolster an attack, has sparked particular debate.

It creates a 12-v-11 situation, and that tweak alone might hugely alter counties approach, according to former Dublin midfielder Whelan.

"Obviously the changes are significant," he told the RTÉ GAA Podcast.

"I'd be overall positive on what I saw last weekend. There's still stuff that has to play out.

"This weekend will be interesting. You'll be looking out for a few things. The interesting thing about last week, there were a couple of fast-paced games where teams went at it, and there were a couple of slow-paced games where the paterns remained similar to previous years.

"A lot of that was based around the 12v11 and maybe teams defending with a zonal 11. I'd be interested to see how that piece really develops because there is obviosuly a fair bit of debate around that.

"You've got to look at it I suppose from two perspectives.

"I'd be interested this weekend, do teams continue with that dropping deep and defending with 11? I think they'll be encouraged to push a little bit higher in terms of the two-point concession.

"But also, if that 12v11, if you're playing a