Kerry quality to inflict further pain on Mayo

The pain of losing an All-Ireland final lingers for a long time. During the lonely aftermath you can be sure players tell themselves they will not spurn an opportunity to address the balance.

Kerry were badly wounded by Tyrone last year so the motivation to atone is high. Then again Mayo players have been nursing a similar tenderness since in 2004, some even as far back as 1996. That's what makes this meeting so fascinating: something has got to give. Despite the undulating peaks and troughs this summer, both Kerry and Mayo deserve a place in tomorrow's All-Ireland final.

What they hold in common is an admirable ability to regroup after poor early championship outings thanks to cathartic victories over Armagh and Dublin. Kerry, in particular, had their deficiencies badly exposed by Cork with the most obvious weaknesses being the full-forward line. Luckily, the Kieran Donaghy switch against Longford solved the problem. It seemed to flick a switch that rejuvenated the seasons of Colm Cooper, Eoin Brosnan and Mike Frank Russell.

The second-half performance against Armagh saw them approach peak form. For long periods this summer it seemed like Kerry would never gel. The defensive problems, particularly the full-back line, were only really sorted out in the revenge victory over Cork.

Peter Canavan's goal in last year's final exposed a loose defensive structure. Where was the man marking? Against Armagh in the quarter-finals Ronan Clarke and Steven McDonnell were afforded far too much space.

By the semi-final Moynihan had been switched closer to the full-back line and that filled some glaring gaps.

Mayo came through tight matches against Leitrim, Galway and then Laois without looking like All-Ireland contenders. The two Laois games brought them on enough to remain competitive when Dublin upped the gears in the semi-final.

The remarkable seven-point comeback (which would not be possible against Kerry) engendered a self-belief that could prove the catalyst for a first All-Ireland in 55 years. The fear factor of playing Kerry in September has undoubtedly been removed.

Mayo tend to over do the short passing game, which against Kerry is a dangerous tactic as turnover ball allows a quick diagonal ball for Donaghy to smother, offload or pop over the bar. They looked shaky when the Dubs ran at them and if Dublin had not wasted three goal chances we would have a rehash of the great 1970s rivalry in this year's final.

The Mayo half-back line must curtail their raids forward tomorrow and focus on the primary duties of man marking. The over reliance on Ciarán McDonald may also be punished. Who do they turn to if Aidan O'Mahony denies the Crossmolina man room to weave his magic? Kevin O'Neill's inclusion looks like a repeat of the Peter Canavan on/off tactic from recent All-Ireland finals. O'Neill has certainly proved his worth as an impact player during the championship.

If Ger Brady continues to break the first tackle then room will be created for O'Neill and Conor Mortimer to cause damage. Mayo possess a stronger bench but to maintain the intensity of their running game for 70 minutes Aiden Kilcoyne, David Brady and Andy Moran must have an impact when introduced.

I know Mickey Moran and John Morrison fostered a great team spirit and collective unity on their arrival in Mayo. They brought no hidden agendas regarding player selection.

Kerry have a superior quality of player. They can afford a poor start as the contrasting styles, long ball versus running game, means their energy levels will remain high entering the final stages.

They will also focus on sapping Mayo's strength around the middle third with their improved physicality.

Also, I feel too much is now expected of Donaghy. Remember this is his first year as a starter. It would be amazing if he maintains the standards of recent games. But he may not have to. Declan O'Sullivan is back in form on the 40 and Colm Cooper is bubbling up for a big game. If Donaghy can take 30 per cent of the ball that comes his way it could be enough to do serious damage.

The key battle will be to dominate the middle third. Expect to see a repeat of the scene Séamus Moynihan described as Time Square at rush hour, after the 2003 defeat to Tyrone, when describing the midfield jam.

High fielding will not dictate the game but rather who gathers the majority of breaks. Paul Galvin is fearless when it comes to cleaning up ball. He will come into contact with Ger Brady and Billy Joe Padden. Others will wade into this game within a game. Mayo's need for an All-Ireland is immense, but Kerry's quality can inflict further hurt.