THE landscape of Gaelic football will be significantly changed next year with the implementation of a host of new playing rules.
The first many fans will see of them will be in the National Football League following the abolition of the pre-season competitions in the respective provinces. Without the McKenna Cup, the County side will undoubtedly play a number of challenge matches but whether or not any of them are open to the public remains to be seen.
Down stare into a Division Two campaign at one of the most unpredictable times in the GAA’s history in terms of how the game will shape up.
On initial glance it could be argued the rule changes – which see three men having to stay in the opposition’s half at all times – may not suit a Down side who are stepping up a level.
Many had felt Down’s approach to the league would mirror their game plan from the Armagh match in last year’s Ulster Championship with a blanket defence set up and quick counter attacks the main route to goal but with a maximum of 11 outfielders able to defend any attack that will have to be at best diluted notably or at worst scrapped and a new blueprint designed.
However, scraping below the surface, these are rules that could work well for Down … and the timing might just be perfect.
All teams will be trying things out in the league and, naturally, some ideas won’t play out as planned which could lead to some results that could be considered a surprise. With Down likely to enter many of the Division Two games as underdogs, surprise results could be welcome.
In the full article Peter explains how the other rules are likely to affect Down.
