With only two games left in the National League, now is the perfect time to give the latest Balls.ie Gaelic Football Power Rankings.
1. Dublin (unchanged)
The All-Ireland champions are rolling along nicely laying down markers with wins against old rivals Kerry and hotshots Derry. Can anyone stop Dessie Farrell’s side if Con O’Callaghan can continue his red-hot form? The answer is a firm no.
2. Derry (up 1 place)
Mickey Harte’s side had answered every question put to them up to this point. However, Harte opted to rest key players for Dublin's trip to Celtic Park, leaving questions about a perceived gap between the top two teams in the Ireland right now. Could we be seeing the sides again in a Division 1 final?
3. Kerry (down 1 place)
While a victory at home against Tyrone on Sunday essentially assured top flight status, the Dublin defeat at Croke Park will have a massive impact on Kerry's preparations for the Championship. The problem with Kerry is simple: if they can't find a midfielder to win Shane Ryan’s booming kickouts, it doesn’t matter if you have David Clifford or me inside. They struggle when it comes to winning aerial possession. A prime example of this was against Dublin.
4. Armagh (up three places)
Is it too high to have a Division Two team ranked? Perhaps, but if you consider that Armagh has returned to being more on the front foot-kicking style game, they look more like the 2022 Armagh rather than the 2023 team.
READ HERE: Hurling Changed Forever For Laois Legend After Tragic On-Field Incident
5. Mayo (down one)
John Fogarty’s article on Mayo’s goal-shy forwards last week highlighted the age-old problem Mayo keep having. Kevin McStay’s forwards struggle to score goals from play. The last starting forward to score a goal from play in the league or championship is Ryan O’Donoghue. If that doesn’t change anytime soon Mayo’s search for Sam will go on for some time, yet
6. Donegal (up to 2 places)
Jimmy McGuinness's master plan for 2024 is coming along nicely as they look to return to the top flight. The former soccer manager didn’t show his full hand when they drew with Armagh two weeks ago and are perfectly positioned for promotion.
7. Galway (down three places)
Lady Luck certainly hasn’t been on Galway’s side this league campaign, as injuries have curtailed any chance of returning to a league final. Joyce's main aim is survival and getting key players back for the championship.
8. Tyrone (down 2)
Tyrone has been a mixed bag so far in this league. From being awful in the first half against Mayo to a Darragh Canavan master class ensuring a win. What side will show up in the Ulster championship is anyone’s guess?
9. Roscommon (up 1)
Davy Burke has been a frustrated figure watching this Roscommon side's performances so far in Division One. Survival is key if the Kildare man wants to keep building on his project.
10. Cavan (unranked)
Raymond Galligan has swapped inter-county players to manager, which looks incredibly easy as his side is battling it out at the top of Division Two. Paddy Lynch has been incredible so far.
