Final verdict: Six players call the shots

Ian O'Riordan and Gavin Cummiskey get the views of six players on the likely outcome at Croke Park.

Ronan McGarrity - (Mayo midfielder)

It's so hard to call when you consider what Tyrone have done this year, but I still think Kerry will shade it. They have a stronger bench and more options if plan A doesn't work.

The full forward line of Gooch, Ó Cinnéide and Declan O'Sullivan are very hard to contain, while the midfield of Darragh Ó Sé and Willie Kirby are very strong. It nearly guarantees the supply lines remain open.

From our experience with Kerry this year in the quarter-final, I don't think it is possible to cut off the supply lines to their forwards as the kick passing and distribution is so accurate. Kerry have recovered from the semi-final two years ago when Tyrone bossed them about.

To win, Tyrone will need to get hold of at least 50 per cent of the midfield ball and while Seán Cavanagh will cause plenty of damage getting up and down the field, as he always does, Darragh Ó Sé is waiting for him in the midfield pit. Tyrone have come a long way this year by playing through nine tough matches so I expect a dogged battle but Kerry to prevail.

Paul Brady - (Cavan half back and international handballer)

Very hard to call but I think Tyrone will win through a tough battle. They have been involved in a few already to get this far and are stronger for it.

Tyrone have come on a lot from the drawn match with us when they were missing Brian Dooher and Peter Canavan due to injury. Brian McGuigan was also still in Australia. We played as well as we could play on that first day but they survived.

Kerry may be fresher but Mickey Harte is a great tactician and will have all his homework done, especially regarding the Kerry full-forward line. Expect to see players dropped back to cover, be it Dooher or McGuigan, and Enda McGinley coming back into midfield.

It will be the same sort of blanket defence they always employ but that is not suggesting a negative contest is on the cards. Tyrone are a free flowing attacking team who can edge a great match if they can stick with Kerry, who have coasted through to the final in the last two years.

Eamon O'Hara - (Sligo midfielder)

Toss a coin as it is going to be that close. If forced I would back Tyrone.

It has been unbelievable the way they've come through this year and I think their name is on it. All they have to do is be in touch at the finish.

Most importantly, they have been tested and Kerry have not. So when it comes down to the wire they know they can produce the goods.

Everyone expected Cork to test the Kerry resolve but they failed to test any potential weakness on both occasions this year. Mayo, also, failed to really make them sweat.

A huge battle is expected in midfield but I think Tyrone would be better off to avoid this by keeping possession out on the wings and bypassing midfield completely.

Another key question is whether Ryan McMenamin will pick up the Gooch but this would be to Tyrone's detriment as McMenamin has always been important in starting up attacks from deep. Mickey Magee should mark Cooper. I expect a dinger of a match.

Muiris Gavin - (Limerick forward)

I have a feeling Tyrone will edge this one. It's obviously going to be a very intense game, and I think Tyrone will have the legs on Kerry in that crucial middle third of the field, especially if players start dropping back.

"We played Kerry twice last year, and after they beat us I felt no one else would touch them. I don't think they played as well against us this year, weren't quite at the same level, and overall I just don't think they've been tested in the same way as last year, and don't quite have the same sting as a result.

"Kerry players like Séamus Moynihan, Darragh Ó Sé, Liam Hassett and Willie Kirby in that middle third are all a little older than the Tyrone players, such as Brian McGuigan and Seán Cavanagh. That's why Tyrone should have the edge there, although that really is the only way I can separate them.

If they manage to do that they should have enough at the other end to win. I expect it to be one of the best finals in years.

Declan Browne - (Tipperary forward)

I said at the start of the year I fancied Kerry to win the All-Ireland and I'd still be sticking with that. I feel they definitely have the ability to win. They've had the easier route to the final, and should be fresher on the day, even if that doesn't always count for much on All-Ireland final day.

I just think they'll have done all their homework on Tyrone this time, and will certainly be ready for them.

Their defence has improved a lot, but I sense as a team they're a little meaner too. They're still seen as playing this ideal brand of football but they've actually got a good mix of it, and should be able to give Tyrone as good as they get.

Overall I think they should shade it in most areas of the field. Colm Cooper will obviously play a big role for Kerry and even if he is tightly man-marked I think the big game will suit him.

I expect it to be tight, with nothing more than a couple of points in it, but my vote goes with Kerry.

Dessie Farrell - (Dublin forward and chief executive of the GPA)

I've changed my mind a few times over the past week or so, but I've come to the conclusion that Tyrone should get there. A lot of that is based on Tyrone's run into this game. They definitely faced the stiffer tests, and endured the harder challenges, and overcome them all. I think that will stand to them.

I know Tyrone have played a lot more games but they've had three weeks to rest up for this one and overall I think they'll be teeing up in very good form.

Tyrone's passage so far has been unique because they've rarely dominated at midfield, and yet they've still been grinding out the results. The main advantage is their fitness and their support play, which are exceptional. They have great tenacity to take on their man, and win possession, so I just don't think Kerry will enjoy the same sort of space they have had.

If Colm Cooper is really on song they have a shout, but I still think Tyrone will come through by a couple of points.