Kerry's devastating 10-minute blanket-busting display

The die feels like it is almost cast for football 2023. While several teams looked like they were moving away from heavily defensive approaches over previous years, there seems a distinct reversion to that position this year.

With most teams solid defensively it is unlikely to be the key difference maker come the summer. That will likely (and possibly as ever) be the quality of a team's attacking play and their ability to reach the magical 16-20 point marker.

To that end, Kerry, in just 10 wonderful minutes against Roscommon, put on a demonstration of attacking play worthy of closer inspection.

Third Minute, Gavin White point

Kerry had taken the opportunity presented by a David Clifford free-kick to apply a strong press on the Roscommon kick-out.

On winning possession, they played a long ball deep into Paudie Clifford in Kerry’s left corner. From there, the ball was recycled at pace to the far wing via two long kick passes.

There, courtesy of two looped fist passing exchanges, David Clifford ended up with the ball in his hands in his shooting zone. He may have skied his shot but the quality of the approach play was clear and the point ended up still registered when White fisted the break ball over from a tight angle.

Fourth minute, David Clifford goal

Kerry, maintaining their press, won possession at midfield from the resultant kick-out and again, they worked the ball to a Clifford in the left corner-forward position, this time David.

From there it was passed out round the arc and into Donal O’Sullivan's hands deep in the opposite corner.

Roscommon, to their credit, remained secure defensively, so Kerry switched the ball back out round again.

A pitstop in the form of a one-two between Tony Brosnan and Sean O’Shea centrally