It's very early days to be predicting a potential player of year but maybe it's good to get on a few outsiders before their odds shorten in the coming weeks?
Last year Karl Lacey was still at 50/1 for player of the year in the wake of Donegal's quarter-final win over Kerry. So there's definitely value in this market. With this in mind we're taking a look at a few dark horses. Our cut off point was 20/1, and while we wouldn't advise huge bets, they're definitely worth a few euro.
Mark McHugh 50/1
Another year, another Donegal 50/1 shout. While there's no guarantee that the defending champions will bounce back from last Sunday's Ulster Final defeat, McHugh will be vital to them if they are to win back-to-back titles.
His early injury in Sunday's match against Monaghan was a killer blow for Donegal. While players such as Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden grab headlines, McHugh's importance to Donegal is evident by just how much they missed him. Unfortunately the rumour is that McHugh could be out for 2-3 weeks but if he is fit for a potential August bank holiday quarter-final, it could spark the start of a successful run to another All-Ireland for both him and his teammates.
Keith Higgins 25/1
Higgins' ability is no secret. He has been one of Mayo's best players for many years now but as a half-back he has added a whole new part to his game. An excellent defender, and great man-marker he has matured into an all-round footballer who provides a link between defence and attack.
He will be vital to Mayo's quest for Sam, and in many ways he could prove to be this year's Karl Lacey.
Conor McManus 33/1
Can Monaghan build on their Ulster success? Is a run to the All-Ireland final a possibility? We have our doubts but it would be unfair of us to dismiss them after their dismantling of Donegal. They have a great system, great intensity and ironically it may take another Ulster side to stop them, due to said system.
So if the dream were to become a reality who would the main protagonists be? Darren Hughes has been excellent at times, and Kieran Hughes shone on Sunday in particular. However I still fear the latter could be curtailed by a wise defence. He has a slight habit of running into the tackle and on Sunday he was given much more space due to Donegal's preoccupation with stopping Conor McManus.
Which brings to our tip. McManus is a great footballer, and will be Monaghan's main man if they're to go further this year. Leave him one-on-one with a corner back and he can destroy you, as Cavan found out, play a sweeper in front of him and he can drop deep and operate as a play-maker, as he did on Sunday. A man worth keeping an eye on.
Ciaran Kilkenny 25/1 or Paul Mannion 33/1
We looked at the Dublin team, and bar the bookies' and our favourite Paul Flynn, picking from the rest is a lottery. And that's not an insult. Quite the opposite. While Bernard Brogan may not be in great form, there are a plethora of lads stepping up to the plate.
In defence 33/1 Jack McCaffrey is worth a mention here, as is midfielder Michael Darragh MacAuley at 25/1, but we're taking a special look at two other players. Paul Mannion has been excellent for Dublin so far. Apparently Pat Gilroy feared his light frame would be a problem but Jim Gavin's faith has paid off in spades.
Elsewhere in the forward line, Ciaran Kilkenny had put in a few decent performances in the run to the Leinster final but against Meath he truly came into his own. Can he kick on from here or was he a case that he was given more space by Meath than they ought to have? It's hard to know and maybe Mannion, given his better price is a slightly better prospect.
At Ladbrokes where you can avail of a bet €10 and receive €30 in free bets offer should you sign up via Balls.ie - Follow this link and use code “Balls30?
