Tyrone work-out gives Galway the advantage

NFL Division One final Galway v Kerry:This is a game to look forward to - at Croke Park with a serious prize at stake and two teams giving it their best. Even in terms of championship the chance to play in such competitive circumstances, particularly with a few weeks in hand, is very meaningful for the counties.

Since the League adopted the calendar-year schedule teams have been taking it more seriously and its importance has been enhanced as preparation for the championship. Not having won it for a number of years, both teams will want to win this.

Kerry are under new management, who have obviously taken the league seriously by fielding their strongest team from game to game. They'll want to keep the run going, particularly with the changes made to the team since last year.

The biggest alteration is the switch of Séamus Moynihan out the field. Mike McCarthy has slotted in well at full back and the management have given him a lot of confidence by persevering with him there.

The defence was so good against Limerick I was surprised Marc Ó Sé is dropped. I think he's developing into an outstanding defender. He might be better at wing back because his physique is maybe a bit slight for corner back. And that's no disrespect to Aidan O'Mahony, who did a great job marking Limerick's best forward, Seán Kelly, in the semi-final.

Half back is a formidable line. It gives Moynihan that little bit of freedom to get forward, which he has done to great effect. In fact the option for Kerry I would favour with the vacancy at centre forward - if Declan O'Sullivan isn't fit - would be to move Séamus to centrefield, switch Eoin Brosnan back to the 40 and bring Marc Ó Sé back into the defence.

Séamus has had a four-month lay-off because of injury during the winter. It was the best thing that ever happened to him. He's come back into it with renewed enthusiasm and he's playing like he's 21 again. The closer he is to the action the more it suits him, and the more he's on the ball the better it suits Kerry.

He's so creative and has great vision in setting up movement.

Still Galway should have the better at centrefield, where (Joe) Bergin and Seán Ó Domhnaill, at 6'3" and 6'6" respectively, have a big height advantage. Darragh Ó Sé will be a big loss although he has taken a few knocks in Croke Park and the club final defeat will weigh heavily on his shoulders. He needs a run of a few weeks to get back into the swing of things. But his influence in the middle of the field will still be important for Kerry.

Here Bergin's position is vital to Galway and to the team's future. He needs to fulfil the promise he showed as a young player and particularly as an under-21. This is the year for him to put the promising aside and take on the mantle. Kevin Walsh was holding it together last year, which shouldn't be the case. Bergin needs to make the step up.

Galway struggled trying to get consistent performances but having gone through two extended games with Tyrone they will have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of competitive edge. They'll have that over Kerry, who, with respect to Limerick, weren't severely tested in the semi-final.

John O'Mahony will also be hoping the experiment with Paul Clancy at centre back works out. I don't know where they got the idea he could play there but he distributes well and has shown good instincts. Tomorrow will be a serious test of his suitability and Galway's prospects for the year could hang on how he works out. It's a key position regardless of what Kerry player marks him.

The news here concerning Declan O'Sullivan is improving and he would be a big boost to Kerry if fit.

But I'm sure Jack O'Connor won't risk him if there's any doubt, particularly on a surface like Croke Park's, which is made for speed. Quick turning and sprinting flat out is the last thing a player would want to be doing with a less-than-100-per-cent hamstring.

Galway generally have underachieved in recent years in that they should have contested more All-Ireland finals, especially last year, when they had a very talented team but were most disappointing.

However, I think they will win tomorrow. First and foremost, the loss of Darragh Ó Sé and the fact there's still a doubt about who plays centre forward has left Kerry short of their best line-up.

Secondly, Galway are ahead in terms of match practice after the two matches against Tyrone.