We genuinely have the two form teams in the final this year. While Kerry haven't won an All-Ireland since 2014, they have never stopped being contenders. Galway have always shown promise and talent.
This year however they have evolved into serious contenders. They have come a long way. They have had an excellent season under Padraic Joyce. Promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz League and five wins in championship, two them against Division 1 opposition.
I am going to outline why Kerry are best placed to become All Ireland champions.
Experience
Galway and Kerry teams will face moments of intense pressure that will challenge individual players and game plans. On field game management will be key.
The collective experience of this Kerry squad will be telling. Schools, minor and U20 success is valuable but it is the learnings from All Ireland final and semi-final disappointments over the last 9 years that will help their squad and management the most.
Their experience makes them best placed to deal with the 'clutch moments’.
Defensive unit
Their defensive transformation under the guidance of Jack O'Connor and Paddy Tally has been impressive. They concede very few goals. Two goals conceded in eight Division 1 league games and only one goal conceded in Championship in this year.
Shane Ryan, Jason Foley and Tadhg Morley are doing a tremendous on field job of coordinating their brilliant defensive plan.
There are a few key principles that can be seen in the screen shot above:
Every player on the field makes a genuine contribution to blocking space, making contacts and slowing down the opposition. Paul Geaney, Sean O'Shea, Paudie Clifford chasing down the opposition is now the norm.
Kerry excel at setting up for kick-out defence. The
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