The league campaign is all about survival, championship preparation and unearthing new players to bolster your squad.
In some cases, it's about giving squad players who have been around a while, a real chance to stake their claim, and we have seen several players stand up throughout this league campaign.
In no particular order, we have selected a player from each Division One team who has made a real case to start in this year's championship, or at least play a big role in the campaign.
Frank Irwin - Mayo
With Cillian O'Connor walking away from the panel last summer, there was a fear that there would be too much responsibility on Ryan O'Donoghue to get all of the scores for Mayo.
The modern games requires teams to have several threats going forward, and Kevin McStay has trusted Frank Irwin throughout these league campaign at number 14, and he has repaid that trust.
You can expect to see the flying forward start in the league final and play plenty of football in the championship.
Dylan Geaney - Kerry
Kerry have always had an embarrassment of riches in the forward line, and with David Clifford in there, they arguably have the best of the lot.
However, in recent years, the production line has slowed a little, there has been on over-reliance on those who had been there for years, and fresh blood was needed, something which Dylan Geaney has brought.
An impact sub last year, the sharp shooter seems to be playing a much more influential role this year, and we can expect to see much more of him in the summer.
READ HERE: Paul Flynn Explains Why New Rules Are Perfect For "Chaotic" Division 1 High-Flyers
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Greg McEneaney - Dublin
When half backs of the calibre of Jack McCaffrey and James McCarthy retire, along with several others, it is always going to leave a dent in your squad.
However, Greg McEneaney has been brilliant this season, really raising his game in the Dublin jersey, and showing himself to be a genuine option for Dessie Farrell in the championship.
Donegal - Finbarr Roarty
The young Donegal star is so good that Jim McGuinness actually got in trouble for playing him too young last season, but this year his he is able to make his breakthrough and he hasn't disappointed.
Roarty is strong, fast, and unbelievably athletic, with bucket loads of skill, and you can expect to see him play more than just a fringe role in the championship.
Tyrone - Peter Teague
With Padraig Hampsey out with a long term injury, there were real concerns about how strong Tyrone's back line will be, but Malachy O'Rourke has put his trust in Peter Teague and he has really risen to the challenge.
The full back looks comfortable wearing the number three jersey, and grew with every game that he played, priming him perfectly a championship run.
Armagh - Darragh McMullen
Breaking into the starting team of the reigning All-Ireland champions must be one of the most daunting tasks a young player can face, but Darragh McMullen has done it seamlessly.
The flying half forward is great at winning ball, linking play, getting on the end of scores, and isn't afraid to work back either - everything that Kieran McGeeney would want from his players.
There may be no Rian O'Neill this summer for Armagh, but they certainly aren't short of attacking options.
Galway - Cillian Ó Curraoin
When Galway suffered their injury crisis last season throughout the league, Cillian Ó Curraoin was often thrust straight into the team, and even took over the free-taking responsibility.
However, the target man featured less in the championship, but it was the perfect introduction for him as he really attacked this league campaign with a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging.
Galway aren't short attacking options, but they have a track record of picking up injuries, so having Ó Curraoin ready and at the required level means that he can make a real difference for them this summer.
Derry - Anton Tohill
Derry have had a league campaign that they would rather forget, but Anton Tohill has gone from stregth to strength as the campaign progressed.
The man-mountain of a player is obviously very good in the air, and a great option for not just kick outs, but for a long ball in to the full forward line as well.
The Swatragh man has improved game on game, but unfortunately he broke his hand in the last league campaign, so it will be a race back to fitness for the championship.
