Ciaran Whelan can't understand the logic of Gaelic football's new rule awarding two points for a 45.
The weekend's inter-provincial series acted as a trial run for a number of new rules drafted up by the Football Review Committee.
Ulster won the Railway Cup style competition, defeating Connacht in the final after a penalty shoot-out, with Down's Odhran Murdock coolly slotting home the winning spot-kick.
The general consensus is that the rules lent to a more open, entertaining encounter though this comes with the caveat that some of the games were of challenge-match-nature.
The two point arc is one of the game's big changes and while Dublin legend Whelan feels it's adds to the game in some ways, he doesn't think it should extend to 45s, giving a couple of examples that filled him with doubts.
"I think it's questionable," said the Raheny club-man.
"You could be in a position where a defender makes a great block, or it could be a case like the one we had tonight where you've a one point shot, Niall Morgan flicked it out for a 45 and then Conor Gleeson is getting a chance for a two-pointer.
"I can't understand that logic."
"I think a 45 should be worth one point. I just don't think it adds up, I get why it might (be two points) for a free (from outside the arc.)"
"I think the two points from the 45 is questionable. A 45 should be one point." Ciaran Whelan on the two-point rule #GAA pic.twitter.com/7LxyHOr0iD
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) October 19, 2024
"Some of those scores from outside the arc added to the excitement," said Whelan.
"That space was there for those shots ultimately because you only had eleven defenders back and you still can sit somebody in front."
Along with four point goals and the requirement to keep three players in forward positions at all times, the two-point arc is one of the big changes being put forward.
Armagh's All-Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker also raised doubts about some of the rules.
"I'm not convinced on the 40-metre arc for the goalkeeper.
"It adds more contest out the middle, but I'm not 100% sure if it adds to the skill of the game and that's sort of what we're after, is it not?"
He also has his issues with four point goals, contending that it will lead to pragmatic football.
"I feel like the scores may be a bit heavily weighted to the goals," he said. "I think if you concede a point, it doesn't feel that heavy on you. If you concede a goal, the four points feels quite heavy."
