Nice clip of how the goalkeeper can be used with the new rules. Interesting to watch it evolve as teams get to play more games.
— GameSenseCoaching (@GaelicSense) January 26, 2025
Expect teams to eventually have set moves for the keeper. pic.twitter.com/LThVKzsOJu
I’m not sure there is another sport in the world that thinks everything is fixed with a rule change. Already I’ve seen many comments online that, even after week 1, we need to change the trial rule. The main suggestion seems to be that the keeper should have to stay back (inside the arc, 21, half, take your pick) or that if the keeper goes up the defending team only need to keep 2 up top.
The above clip is a really nice angle on a 12 v 11 situation being created by the Dublin goalkeeper advancing forward. I can’t speak for all the 12 v 11 situations created over the weekend but for me this example shows a breakdown in a defensive system rather than some fundamental flaw with the rule.
We can see the setup clearly 11 v 11 with the Gavin Sheridan just coming into shot in the bottom right. Mayo are not man-for-man. They have left a Dublin player just outside the 45 free with their free-man being inside the D.
A few seconds later we can see where Sheridan is heading and the Mayo man on the edge of the Arc decides to follow him. I’ve also highlighted that Mayo seem happy with 3 v 4 on the 45. It’s interesting that the sweeper doesn’t decide to pick up Sheridan’s run but instead leave the Dublin outfield player free on the arc.
Dublin have created the space (or Mayo have given up the space) and Dublin start to shift the ball to the right. The sweeper is now occupied with the Mayo defender stepping out but instead of communicating and picking up a man each they both get attracted to the ball.
Dublin pop the pass wide, the space is made and Mayo can’t scramble back. Score! I know this won’t be representative of all the 12 v 11 situations over the weekend, and sure I accept the goalkeeper has played a role here, but some of the narrative that it is impossible to defend 12 v 11 ?? I just don’t buy that. It’s going to take time for teams to work on this both offensively and defensively, not sure it needs a kneejerk reaction just yet.